San Antonio, TEXAS – The Trinity cross country teams are back in action this Friday at the UIW Invitational. This will be a big test for both teams as they prepare for the travel meet campaign against top Division III competition. Before that begins, they'll take on Texas's best, with programs like the University of Texas converging on San Antonio for the morning's meet.
 
The men will race first, with a lot to prove from the last outing. With high expectations, the Tigers came up short, averaging 19:15 for 6k compared to 19:05 the previous year. Despite the setback, hopes are still high for this week's 4-mile race. James Rush (Lola, Texas / The Kinkaid School) fresh off a standout race, running 18:56 for a huge new PR. He will look to continue the momentum and lead a strong group of seniors, as well as some bright freshmen, to the result they need to steer the ship in the right direction. Last season, the men finished 3rd with an average time of 20:20.
 
The women will take the course next for a 5k race, moving up 1k in distance from the last time out. They will look to continue some very strong momentum, as they averaged 14:44 for 4k, down from 14:53 last season. Gianna Keena (Lakeway, Texas / Lake Travis) was the star of the evening, running 14:21 and picking up a PR in the process. With a strong slate of upperclassmen right behind her, she will look to establish the Tigers against some formidable Division I competition. Last season at this meet, the women finished 5th with an average time of 19:21.
 
After competing at UIW, most of the team will head to the Hill College Cross Country Classic in Hillsboro. Ten runners on each side will head to the Louisville Classic in Louisville, KY shortly after, as the bulk of the season starts to pick up steam.