LEXINGTON, Ky. ? The University of Kentucky cross country squads race against a strong field in their last regular season meet Friday at the Penn State National Invite in State College, Pa. The UK women start off the competition at 10 a.m. ET with a 6K run at the Nittany Lions? Blue/White Golf Course followed by the 5.2-mile men?s race at 11 a.m. ET.
The Cats leave the comforts of the Bluegrass State for the only time this season and return to Happy Valley for the first time since 2005. Both Kentucky squads find themselves at their highest rankings of the season in the USTFCCCA Southeast Region poll. The UK women?s squad holds the fifth spot in the region, while the Wildcat men claim the ninth slot.
After winning their third-straight meet to open the season, the Kentucky women get the chance to measure themselves against nationally-ranked competition for the first time this year. Three USTFCCCA top-30 teams race against the Cats Friday in Duke (No. 17), West Virginia (No. 21) and the host Nittany Lions (No. 30). Syracuse, who won last year?s invite, also received votes in the latest poll. Seventeen of the 20 division I schools at the meet are ranked regionally on the women?s side including three from the Southeast: Duke (No. 1), Kentucky (No. 5) and Wake Forest (No. 6).
Last time out on the course, senior Lavera Morris led the Cats crossing the line in fifth place overall at the Greater Louisville Classic. Seven Wildcats finished in the top 25 among a field of over 200 runners. The strong performance gave the Cats a dominating win, distancing themselves from second-place Louisville by 48 points.
The UK men continue to improve with each meet this season. The young squad took home fifth place at the Greater Louisville Classic two weeks ago. Senior Andr? Silva led Kentucky at the Greater Louisville Classic placing 12th overall, while junior Bruce Hordusky followed close behind finishing in 17th.
Twelve of the 14 division I squads are ranked regionally on the men?s side. Kentucky leads three teams from the Southeast region, with Wake Forest (No. 10) and George Mason (No. 13) racing the Cats Friday.
Final results and a complete release on Friday?s meet will be available at ukathletics.com.
