Sept. 29, 2006

PENSACOLA, Fla. - In less than two months, a total of 48 men's and women's cross country teams will converge at the Escambia County Equestrian Center for the 2006 NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships. On Saturday morning, Pensacola will get a preview of the national championships with the NCAA Division II Pre-National Race.

The races will be held at the Escambia County Equestrian Center on U.S. Hwy. 90 (Mobile Highway). The event will begin with the women's 6K race at 8 a.m. The men's 10K race will follow at 8:45 a.m.

"This race has a regional championship feel to it," said West Florida head coach Matt Dobson. "The teams that are going to be here on Saturday are anticipating a return to this same course for nationals in November."

The West Florida men are currently ranked third in the south region. The two teams ahead of the Argonauts in the region, Harding and Florida Southern, will also be running at the Escambia County Equestrian Center on Saturday.

Senior Michael Padilla (Pensacola, Fla./Pine Forest HS), who finished 11th at last weekend's Great American Cross Country Festival, leads an Argonaut squad that is looking to move up in the regional rankings with a solid performance.

"Michael ran this course three to four times a week over the summer, so he will have an advantage," said Dobson. "Everyone is familiar with this course and since this meet is on our home turf that should give us extra motivation."

Four of the top five women's teams in the south region will be running in Saturday's race. West Florida is ranked fourth in the south region and two of the teams the Argonauts trail, Tampa and Alabama-Huntsville, will be running alongside West Florida on Saturday. Fifth-ranked Florida Southern will also participate in the race.

Senior Lauren Brooks (Westlake, Ohio/Westlake HS) has been the top Argonaut finisher in each of the first three races. West Florida was the second Division II team in the standings at last weekend's Great American Cross Country Festival.

"I feel good about our teams going into this race," said Dobson. "Last week gave us a good idea where we stand against some of the best teams. I am eager to see how our teams respond this week against some of the same competition."

Directions to the Escambia County Equestrian Center from the UWF Campus

Take University Parkway and turn right onto East Nine Mile Road (Alt. US 90). Follow Nine Mile Road west approximately six miles. About a mile past the I-10 interchange, turn left onto Beulah Road. Follow Beulah Road until it ends at US Highway 90. Turn left on US 90 and the Escambia Equestrian Center will be on the left side.