As the new season gets underway, Bradley’s cross country teams are ready to get back on the fast track.
Last season, both the men’s women’s cross country teams captured a Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Championship title.
For the women’s team, losing six seniors who competed at the MVC Championship would seem like a devastating loss. However, coaches within the conference don’t believe so. The MVC coaches voted Bradley to finish second in the conference.
“Team chemistry is going to be key for the group … we want the girls to challenge each other and to make us better on a week-to-week basis,” head coach Darren Gauson said. “A young team with less experience needs to build camaraderie and teamwork quickly.”
The men’s squad will see seven of the eight individuals that helped it secure the MVC title last year. As a result, the men were voted to finish first in the MVC standings this year.
Last season the men showed great determination and reached their peak at the right moment, but Gauson is not content with the team resting on its past accomplishments.
“We have a deep squad with good experience and youth,” Gauson said. “So one of our goals is to make more progress and inroads towards competing at a national level on the men’s side.”
It seems like an achievable goal for the men’s cross country team, especially considering last year’s success. With a deep roster, there is nothing holding back the Braves from competing at a national level.
Both the men’s and women’s teams will be in Iowa City this weekend for the Hawkeye Early Bird Invitational to kick off their respective seasons.
“Friday is a light opener for the men, so most of our starters will not compete,” Gauson said. “For the women … we have some younger athletes competing … It’s a good chance to see what this group can do.”
A good showing for both teams at the first invitational meet would go a long way in their journeys toward winning at the MVC Championship.
