The Drury University men's and women's cross country squads will brace for a stiff test on Saturday when they compete in the 20th annual Missouri Southern Stampede at Hughes Stadium in Joplin.
The action begins at 9 a.m. for the meet that annually draws one of the most talented fields the Panthers compete in, with this season's race being no exception. Drury, ranked 18th nationally this week, is one of three ranked teams in the men's field, joining No. 3 Harding and No. 14 Missouri Southern.
Three teams are ranked in the women's field as well, with Missouri Southern ninth nationally, Harding 12th and Pittsburg State 17th.
Drury has been idle since the men captured the Missouri S & T Miner Invitational and the DU women finished third in the same meet. Panthers' sophomore Jaime Villa Zapatero was the individual winner on the men's side in the S & T meet, earning Great Lakes Valley Conference Athlete of the Week honors for his efforts (Listen to Jaime on the latest Panther Podcast by
clicking here).
This year's Southern Stampede features 40 collegiate teams and 67 high school squads, with the race schedule as follows:
RACE SCHEDULE
9:00 am - University/Open Women - 5K
9:45 am - University/Open Men - 8K
10:45 am - High School Girls Division I - 5K
11:00 am - Collegiate Awards Presentation
11:30 am - High School Girls Division II - 5K
12:10 pm - High School Boys Division I – 5K
12:45 pm – High School Boys Division II – 5K
1:30 pm - Open Fun Run - 5K (No Timing)
1:30pm - High School Awards Presentation