Season Preview: 2021 Reinhardt Cross Country
By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media
WALESKA, Ga. – Race week is officially upon the Reinhardt men's and women's cross country squads as they are both in preparations for the season opener at Flint Farm in Waleska, Ga., on Friday evening.
The women's team takes the starting line first at 6 p.m. and then the men race at approximately 6:30 p.m.
The goals for cross country in 2021 are high, but this time around, the depth on both groups could provide the opportunity to produce at a high level within the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) and NAIA postseason races – which is a top priority.
"Really excited about this season and both teams' ability to improve over the course of a season," head coach Jordan Turner said. "In cross country, we are always focused on November, so to see so many good things in terms of how we attack workouts and recovery – and embrace the process of getting better – is exciting to see this early on. These teams are the deepest top to bottom that we've had in a couple years, so the ability to compete at the top of the conference should be there.
"Our meet schedule will be one that helps us prepare to run fast when we need to, and we have the groups to produce some qualifiers for the national championship meet."
Offseason training has had its challenges once again this summer as COVID-19 variants linger in Georgia and around the world, but the adversity has once again helped the runners come closer together for the common goal.
"The women's team is excited to have a full and long season," Carly Harrison said. "It is good to be back on campus training with the girls again. We have a strong pack this year and that will help us succeed at conference. Our team is looking forward to competing and having a fun season."
The Eagle men are coming off an appearance in the 65th Annual Men's Cross Country National Championships this past April at Seminole Valley Park in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Parker Breedlove said they have a good blend of experienced veterans and young talent that provides the confidence needed to compete against the AAC's best this season.
It all starts Friday here in Waleska at Flint Farm.
2021 Cross Country Schedule
Sept. 3 – Battle at Flint's Farm – Season Opener at Flint Farm in Waleska, Ga.
Sept. 17 – North Alabama Showcase – John Hunt Park in Huntsville, Ala.
Sept. 24 – Wingfoot Classic – Sam Smith Park in Cartersville, Ga.
Oct. 2 – Alexander/ASICS Invitational – Chattahoochee Hills Eventing in Fairburn, Ga.
Oct. 8 – Royals Challenge – McApline Park in Charlotte, N.C.
Oct. 22 – Fire Hawk Invitational – McFarland Park in Huntsville, Ala.
For up-to-the-minute Eagles sports news, follow Reinhardt Athletics on Facebook, @RU_Eagles on Twitter and @ru_eagles on Instagram.
For more information on Reinhardt Men's Cross Country, please click here, and Reinhardt Women's Cross Country here.