Sept. 29, 2006

Chicago, Ill.- The UIC men's and women's cross country teams return to action this Saturday at the 34th Annual Sean Earl Lakefront Invitational at Montrose Avenue Beach.

The collegiate races of the meet, hosted by Loyola, begin at 12:15 p.m.

The meet features a bevy of strong college squads, including the Flames, the Ramblers, UW-Milwaukee, Marquette, Marshall, Illinois State, Alabama, Creighton, Southern Illinois and many, many more.

The UIC men's cross country teams brings one of the field's best groups to the lakefront on Saturday. The Flames are currently positioned at their highest-ever regional ranking in school history, taking the 11th spot in the United States Cross Country Coaches Association Midwest Region.

2005 All-Horizon Leaguer Joseph Mbari, freshman standout Gabriel Ngwiri and seniors Jim Sulzberger and Sam Watson pace a deep staff of distance stalwarts.

On the women's side, 2005 All-League First Teamer Laura Macias will look to pace the Flames for the seventh straight meet. Macias made her UIC debut at last year's Sean Earl Invitational, running a team-leading 18:33 in the women's 5,000-meter race.

Seniors Lisa Petty, Susana Martinez and Korinne Krych, along with junior Kerry Brennan, will also be runners to watch at the annual event.