The men's team has a lot to live up to with the success of the women's team last season still fresh in the minds of the OLLU community.

"We have a lot of inexperienced runners and athletes who come from other sports, so running is not their first sport," Coach Sherman said.

Even though this is the first season for the men's team, Coach Sherman notes that there is potential to build a strong team in the first year. Sherman believes that a lot of that potential to build a strong team comes from standout runner John Sobieski. Sobieski joined the team this summer and his high school records indicate he has excellent abilities. Coach Sherman compared Sobieski to Miriam Vasquez, the standout runner from the women's cross-country team. "I see him like I saw Miriam last year. I think he will be our strongest runner barring any injuries. He could be the building block of the men's team."

The Saints will face some tough competition this season with their biggest opponents being Northwood University and Texas Wesleyan University. "Those are both very strong teams," says Sherman. With the addition of junior Emmanuel Nunez, a former Saints soccer player; seniors Eric Lucero and Estevan Rivas; and freshmen Jason Cadena and Sobieski, the Saints are looking forward to a successfull first year.

Cross-country not being a spectator sport, Coach Sherman encourages the OLLU community to show their support to his team by encouraging their success. "We could definitely use the support of the OLLU community."

The team's other meets will take place at UTSA on Sept. 17, University of the Incarnate Word on Oct. 2, Concordia University on Oct. 16 and Southwestern University on Oct. 23. The Red River Athletic Conference Tournament will take place in Cedar Hill, Texas, on Nov. 6, and the NAIA National Tournament on Nov. 20 in Ft. Vancouver, Wa.