SCHEDULE

MOSCOW, Idaho – Idaho cross country is ready to compete in 2017, with director of track and field/cross country Tim Cawley releasing the full schedule on Tuesday.
 
"The schedule we have is a good one," Cawley said.  "Early on we get some good, competitive opportunities where it's a little bit of a smaller format where we can compete as a team and break off a bit of the rust.  Then going to Oregon this year we'll see some of the best talent in the country.  We'll have a little tuneup before we go into conference, which is always a battle."
 
Idaho gets the season started in traditional fashion with the Clash of the Inland Northwest, this year taking place in Missoula, Mont., on September 1.  The Vandals will then make the quick trip up to Spokane for the Gonzaga/Idaho Dual on September 16. 
 
The Dellinger Invitational in Eugene is up next on September 29, followed by the final regular season meet of the year, the Inland Empire Championships in Lewiston (Oct. 14).
 
"The kids are growing up," continued Cawley.  "We were a little on the young side last year and I think we'll still be young this year too, but we have some kids moving into their junior and senior years.  But it's one of things where we're kind of getting into that position where the team should be well balanced through the years to come, if not this year then next.  We talk a lot about the process, and process oriented goals, as one of our core values and I think this schedule gives us a great opportunity."
 
The Big Sky Conference Championships will take place on October 28, with Weber State hosting the annual event.  The Vandals were solid at last year's Championships, taking fourth on both the men's and women's sides.  Kara Story was outstanding on the women's side, earning Freshman of the Year honors after taking ninth overall.
 
Although not hosting any cross country meets in 2016, Idaho will be bringing in the entire Big Sky Conference for the Outdoor Championships.
 
"The great part is that cross country kind of gets things started and moving in the right direction," said Cawley.  "But to have the crescendo, the Big Sky Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships, in Moscow, on our home turf, to celebrate what a great town and University this place is, it's exciting."
 
To stay current on all Vandal Athletics visit GoVandals.com, or follow the Vandals on Twitter, @Idaho_Vandals.
 
Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Idaho track and field/cross country by following the team on Twitter @IdahoTrack.