The University of Kentucky cross country squads head to New York for the sixth annual Brother John Paddy Doyle Meet ofChampions hosted by Iona College which starts Saturday, Sept. 30. Action gets under way with the women’s 6,000-meter run at 10 a.m. EST, while the men takethe course for the 8,000-meter run at 11 a.m. EST.

Freshmen Caitlin Phillips and Amy Guard lead the women’s team this season. Phillips won her first collegiate race at theWoodford Cross Country Trials and finished 11th at the Alabama Crimson Classic. Guard has also shown promise with her 2nd-placefinish at the Woodford Trials and 24th-place finish in Alabama. Giving the women’s team support are sophomore Marie Patton andsenior Liz Attig.

For the men, sophomores Thomas Morgan, Hunter Spencer, and Kevin O’Connor are leading the way, with freshman JustinAmason also contributing points. Spencer topped all competitors at the Woodford Trials, while Morgan was the top UK finisher inAlabama when he crossed the line in 7th place.

The Cats will face their strongest competition of the season as the men run with No. 5 Iona and No. 16 William and Mary. Thewomen will go up against No. 9 Boston College, No. 18 Texas A&M and No. 21 Brown University.