MOSCOW, Idaho – The Vandal cross country teams are set to open the 2021 season at the Clash of the Inland Northwest on Friday, September 3.
The meet begins at 10 a.m. with the women's 4k race, followed by the men's 6k at 10:30 a.m. Idaho will race against Montana, Lewis-Clark State, Whitman, Whitworth, Walla Walla, Community Colleges of Spokane, as well as the host school, Eastern Washington.
The United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) recently announced its preseason regional rankings for the upcoming season, with both Vandal squads making an appearance. The Idaho women are ranked 12th in the West Region, while the men are 15th.
The Vandal women, picked to finish fifth by the Big Sky coaches, took fifth place at last year's winter conference championship. Two of the top three finishers for Idaho graduated, but
Nell Baker, who placed 21st, returns to pace the team. Also returning are
Maya Kobylanski,
Nathalia Campos,
Leah Holmgren, and
Jolene Whiteley, who all ran at the Big Sky Winter Championship. Three newcomers joined the team.
The Idaho men return all their scorers from a year ago, including
Gabriel Dinnel, who was the top finisher of the seventh-place team at the Big Sky Winter Championship. Other participants at the championship who are back include
Tim Stevens,
Shea Mattson,
Michael McCausland, Sam Fullbright,
Ben Shaw, and
Timo Dohm. In the Preseason Coaches' Poll, the Vandals were selected sixth. The Vandal men also welcome three newcomers to the team's ranks.
Following the Clash, the Vandal harriers will run at three meets before the Big Sky Championship on October 29.
To stay current on all Vandal Athletics visitÂ
GoVandals.com, or follow the Vandals on Twitter, @Idaho_Vandals.
Â
Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Idaho track and field/cross country by following the team on Twitter @IdahoTrack.
Â
