BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Campbell's cross country teams make the trek to Spartanburg, S.C. for the 2015 Big South Conference Championship at the Roger Milliken Center.
The men's 8K race will begin at 10:30 a.m. while the women's 5K race will start at 11:30 a.m. with the awards ceremony following at 12:30 p.m.
On the men's side, Lawrence Kipkoech and Amon Terer lead the Fighting Camels. Kipkoech broke the school record in the 8K race earlier this season when he ran a 23:32.3 at the Queens Royals Challenge Oct. 8. Terer notched a 23:32.5 time at the NCAA Pre-Nationals in Louisville, Ky. Oct. 17.
"Lawrence and Amon are two very consistent runners," head coach Michael Kelly said. "I don't think they've had a bad race since they've been at Campbell. They need to continue to do what they're doing and they'll be fine."
Jacob Kipserem and Meshack Kipruto also have posted strong showings for the Orange and Black this season. Kipserem finished the Queens Royals Challenge with a 24:55.4 time while Kipruto earned a fifth place finish with a time of 24:24.1.
Joshua Vermette earned his best time of the season at the Panorama Farms Invitational with a 25:46.0 time. Mason Holt completed the northern Virginia course at 25:59.6.
"We've got to get as many all-conference spots (top-12) as we can," Kelly said. "I feel that Jacob and Meshack can be in the mix anywhere from third through tenth. That is where they need to be for us to win the title. Our fifth man, Josh, is looking better than he ever has and has a chance to be all-conference as well."
On the women's side, Campbell's Joan Maritim made her season debut at the College of Charleston Classic, finishing the course sixth overall at 19:15.1. Heidi Tuszkiewicz has finished first for the Camels in each race this season, prior to Maritim's return, where she finished the College of Charleston Classic course at 19:48.4.
"Heidi's been one of our most consistent girls this season," Kelly said. "I'm looking forward to a breakthrough performance from her. I know she can run in the 18-minute range in the 5K and that's what I want to see from her this weekend."
A majority of the team enters their first conference championship as Campbell boasts a squad with four freshman and a pair of sophomores
Roshae Jackson and Kelsey Rea also enter strong for the Camels as both runners had comparable times throughout the season. At the Adidas XC Challenge, Jackson completed the course in 19:58.3 while Rea finished with a 19:56.2 mark. Ali Bowen also had a good showing at the Adidas XC Challenge with a 20:01.4 time.
In her first race of the season, Amina Alvarez Barkane completed the College of Charleston Classic at 21:09.7. Teammate Megan Lanzon added her best time of the season at the Queens Royals Challenge with 21:08.6.
"As a team we haven't put it all together in a race," Kelly said. "We've had great individual performances throughout the season, but we really need to have the girls firing on the same day. The last two weeks of practice have really shown that and I'm hoping it'll come together Saturday to have a good team finish."
