YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — The Eastern Michigan University's men's and women's cross country teams will gear up for the EMU Fall Classic this Saturday, Oct. 23, at the spectator friendly Hutson Mills Metro Park in Dexter, Mich. before heading to the Mid-American Conference Championships hosted by Western Michigan University.

The EMU Classic has always been a well-received event, attracting athletes such as New Zealand Olympian Nick Willis, NCAA Steeplechase champion Jordan Desilets, British internationalist Gavin Thompson, Canadian internationalist Ryan McKenzie, members of the Hanson's Racing Club and Olympic Trials Steeplechase finalist Corey Nowitzke. All of which are former EMU cross country athletes.

Last year, women's cross country squad's Jackie Ellis led the way for the Eagles in the 5K, as her time of 19:24.00 was good for 16th overall and was tops among all EMU harriers. Megan Flewelling and Morgan Churchwell (Ada, Mich.-Forest Hills Central) were the next EMU runners to finish, taking 25th and 27th, respectively.

On the men's side, Curtis Vollmar edged out former Eastern harrier Josh Karanja for the men's 10K crown, running a time of 32:08. Ransom Brown (Coldwater, Mich.-Coldwater) also had a stellar performance in the men's 10K event, finishing eighth overall with a time of 33:23.00.

This year, women's cross country Head Coach Sue Parks will rest her top eight runners as they prepare for the MAC Championships, while Christina Farrow (Rochester Hills, Mich.-Renaissance), Kaitlin Fenech (Dearborn, Mich.-Divine Child), Lauren Lunsford (Miamisburg, Ohio-Miamisburg), and Beth Zimpfer (Maplewood, Ohio-Jackson Center) will compete for the Eagles.

“Beverly Elcock (Ft. Wayne, Ind.-Northrop) and Brooke Scuillo (Dublin, Ohio-Dublin Coffman) will compete unattached,” said Parks. “Beverly was our No. 2 runner at the MAC meet in 2009, and she continues to make a strong comeback from knee surgery.”

The Classic will include teams from Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Kent State, Toledo, Ferris State, Oakland, Mott CC, Macomb CC, Northwood, Trine, and Frontline Racing Club, and will feature a men's 10K at 10 a.m., followed by a women's 5K at 10:45 a.m. The men's 5k will close out the afternoon at 11:15 a.m.

Hudson Mills Metro Park in Dexter is best reached by exiting North Territorial Road (west) from US- 23. The park entrance is past Zeeb Road on the left when exiting US-23. Parking for the event costs $5 per vehicle, payable upon entry to the park.

For more information regarding the EMU Fall Classic, please contact Coach Parks at 734.487.0262.