HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (September 14, 2023) – Coming off a pair of team victories last weekend in Florence, the University of North Alabama cross country program will head to Huntsville for the Southern Showcase on Friday, Sept. 15 hosted at John Hunt Park.
 
The men's race will begin at 7:30 a.m., and the women's will follow at 8:30 a.m. The meet will be hosted by Jacksonville State.
 
"This weekend is going to be a great competition for both our teams," said UNA head coach Evans Kiptoo. "Our goal this week is to continue getting better and taking advantage of a big field to improve both our individual athletes' and team's performances."
 
North Alabama will run against a field of 38 confirmed teams, including the likes of Alabama, Alabama A&M, Alabama State, Auburn, Georgia State, Kentucky, Memphis, Middle Tennessee State, Mississippi State, New Orleans, Ole Miss, Samford, Southern Miss, Troy, Tulane, UAB and host Jacksonville State, among others.
 
Last season at the Southern Showcase — which was then the North Alabama XC Showcase — the UNA men finished 15th of 37 teams, while the women placed 17th of 39 teams.
 
The Lions will look to carry momentum from last weekend's UNA Invitational into the meet, following two team wins in a competitive battle with West Florida on both sides, multiple personal records and podium finishes, as well as an individual winner in junior Gracie Mathews. Mathews broke the tape with a time of 18:16.11 for her first collegiate win.
 
Mathews was one of four Lions to earn Atlantic Sun Runner of the Week honors yesterday, as she was named the ASUN Women's Runner of the Week. Graduate student Fedrick Kipyego won ASUN Men's Runner of the Week after a second place finish last week, while rookie duo Brent Lyons and Camille Etheridge both earned ASUN Freshman of the Week honors.
 
Following the Southern Showcase, the Lions will gear up for the Louisville Cross Country Classic hosted at Tom Sawyer Park in Kentucky on Sept. 30.
 
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

"DID YOU SEE THIS???" Top Play of the Week??? 

Gracie Mathews took the top spot at the annual UNA Invitational on September 9th, winning the race with a time of 18:16:11!

She was also named the @ASUNSports Women's Runner of the Week!#RoarLions!🦁 pic.twitter.com/pwgKiJyQ4l
— North Alabama Athletics (@UNAAthletics) September 13, 2023