IRVINE, Calif. – The Concordia University Irvine cross country teams are eager to compete in their first races in nearly two years when they return to action this Saturday!
It looks like the Eagles have earned some early respect as well, as both CUI teams were both picked to finish among the top four teams in the Preseason PacWest Coaches Poll.
The CUI men project to finish as the third-best team in the league, with only Biola and Fresno Pacific garnering more votes in the polling.
The CUI women are also slated to be among the top contenders in the conference with a deep roster. Academy of Art, Biola and Azusa Pacific round out the top three teams that the Eagles will look to pass during the fall season.
The women's team includes former PacWest Freshmen of the Week in
Jori Paradis and
Adriana Gil and a bevy of true freshmen eager to compete in their first collegiate race. Paradis was also named PacWest Freshman of the Year this past spring during the 2021 track and field season. In addition, returners
Sara Feitz and
Porshe Eismann were recognized as USTFCCCA indoor track and field All-Region selections last year with Paradis, and they will all look to build off of their previous accomplishments for the good of the team.
Meanwhile, the men feature a talented mix of newcomers and returners. This includes veteran runners
Miguel Ayala,
Hector Arteaga,
David Brito and
Jason St. Pierre, who were all USTFCCCA indoor track and field All-Region selections last year, and brothers
Angel Aguirre and
Fernando Aguirre who will get the chance to compete in the Green and Gold together for the first time in college this September.
Both CUI cross country squads open their season this coming Saturday, Sept. 4 at the Mark Covert Classic hosted by Cal State Fullerton. The men toe the starting line at 8:30 A.M. while the women's race will follow at 9:15 A.M.
To follow the results on Saturday, you can
CLICK HERE as the Eagles look to make a statement in their first cross country races of the 2021 season!
CLICK HERE for the full 2021 cross country schedule!
