Oct. 2, 2003

The TCU men's and women's cross country teams are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Stillwater, Oklahoma to take part in the Oklahoma State Cowboy Jamboree. The women will compete on a 6K course, while the men will run an 8K distance. The Jamboree is steeped in tradition, as it's the longest consecutively held cross country meet in the nation and the top event in the country on this weekend's cross country calendar.

"This weekend's event is a true test for us," said TCU cross country coach Derek Koonts. "The competition at this meet is solid from top to bottom. We'll know a lot more about our team this weekend."

The TCU women will send seven runners to the starting line and again will be led by junior Mary Kinyanjui. Kinyanjui won the Texas A&M Invitational two weeks ago and was honored as the Conference USA women's cross country Athlete of the Week for her efforts. Joining her at the starting line are Katrina Zielinski, McKale Davis, Calandra Stewart, Heather Isbell, Patty Parker and Katie Cosgrove. Alayne Thompson, the 2002 Conference USA cross country Freshman of the Year who has been sidelined with an injury, will run for the first time this fall, but will compete unattached.

"We'll see where Alayne is at from a fitness standpoint," said Koonts. "Then we will have a better idea as to how she may be able to help us down the road."

The TCU men's team will be aided by the services of junior Jackson Langat. Langat, a second team all-conference selection a year ago, did not compete in the first two meets of the season. He is a three-time all-American on the track since his arrival in Fort Worth.

"This is a good opportunity for Jackson to show what he can do," said Koonts. "There will be some strong individuals at this meet for him to run with. We'll see if he's on track for what we want him to do this year in cross country."

Other Frog harriers expected to don the TCU uniform on Saturday are Johnathan Bundren, Alex Morris, Chris Benassi, Brad Maciulewicz, David Harris, Steven Lenney, Josh Sharon and Raita Yamanouchi.

"We're looking better and better each practice session on both the men's and women's sides," said Koonts. "The girls need to close the gap and stay a little closer to Mary. The guys need to run better as a pack from runners two to eight."

After the Jamboree, the Frogs will have just one more meet prior to the Conference USA Championships, which are scheduled for Tampa, Fla. on Saturday, November 1.