HARTSVILLE, S.C.- With the combination of new talent and returning runners for both the men's and women's cross country teams at Coker University, head coach Peter Early and company are looking forward to the Cobras hitting the course this fall.
The women's cross country team features five returners from last season, along with two newcomers. Upperclassmen Tiffany Taylor and Chauntress Like will bring experience and leadership to the team, mentoring the underclassmen.
"I am excited to see the growth of all returners, especially behind the leadership behind upperclassman Chauntress Like and Tiffany Taylor," said Early.
A new strength this season is the amount of depth added to the roster. Coach Early is confident this year's recruiting class will give them the talent to be highly competitive.
"We added key depth and exciting new talent including two girls who we are really excited about in Katie Spence and Destiny Ingram," said Early. "The combination of youth and experience will result in a strong season."
The men's cross country team returns six runners from last season, and adds one newcomer. Senior Razzel Kiplaget returns for his final season after redshirting during the 2018-19 season. Early is confident that the depth on this year's roster will help make up for the departure of last year's senior class.
"While we lost a lot of senior talent in Brandon Mullins and Jacob Chebii, we are excited to have Razzel Kiplaget back for his final season, said Early. "We went out and added new talent to help fill the void."
Both teams start their 2019 campaigns at the UNCP Cross Country Twilight on Sept. 6, before competing in the Bulldog Stampede on Sept. 21. They complete the month of September at the Queens City Invite on Sept. 27. The teams will take part in the Charleston Classic on Oct. 5, before wrapping up the regular season at the royals XC Challenge on Oct. 11.
The UNCP Cross Country Twilight will take place at UNC-Pembroke on Sept. 6, with the women racing at 5:45 p.m. and the men racing at 6:30 p.m.