MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Sept. 1, 2023) – The University of North Alabama cross country team will begin the 2023 season this weekend in atypical fashion, as the Lions will run a late night race at the City Auto Memphis Twilight Classic on Saturday in Memphis, Tenn.
 
Instead of the usual morning time race, the Lions will compete well past evening hours as the women's team begins at 9:20 p.m. The men's race will follow at 10 p.m. The races will be held at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex and will be hosted by Christian Brothers University.
 
Live results are available at this link powered by MileSplit.
 
Saturday marks the first race for UNA under new head coach Evans Kiptoo, who enters his first season after a successful stint at Northwest Kansas Technical College. Kiptoo also has familiarity with the Atlantic Sun Conference, as he completed a decorated distance running career at current ASUN member EKU and later coached there as a graduate assistant in 2012.
 
"This weekend is going to be an exciting journey for our Lions' women's and men's cross country programs," said Kiptoo. "As a first year head coach, I'm looking forward to this meet. It will give me a clear indication of where we are and also an opportunity to see the areas we need to work on as the season progresses."
 
UNA will have eight athletes competing on both the women's side and men's side. The Lions are one of 21 teams in the meet, joining NCAA Division I programs such as Alabama, Alcorn State, Arkansas State, Memphis, Middle Tennessee State, Ole Miss and UT Martin.
 
Other schools competing in the meet include Arkansas Tech, Bethel (TN), meet host Christian Brothers, Crowder, Fontbonne, Freed-Hardeman, Harding, National Park College, Ouachita Baptist, Rust, Arkansas Fort Smith, Union (TN) and West Alabama.
 
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.