Oct. 9, 2008

HOUSTON--The University of Houston cross-country team travels to Orlando, Fla. on Saturday to compete in the 13th annual Walt Disney World Cross Country Classic, slated to begin at 7:45 a.m.

Entering Saturday's race, the girls are coming off an impressive three first-place victories, including the Johnny Morriss Invitational, UTSA Ricardo Romo Texas Classic and LSU Tiger Festival.

Leading the women is freshman Stephanie Aldea, who captured first place, with a time of 21:21 in the 6K at the LSU Tiger Festival. She also finished first at the Johnny Morriss Invitational, as well as placing third at the UTSA Ricardo Romo Texas Classic, which gives her three Top Three finishes.

Freshmen, Starla Garcia, Megan Munoz and Brandi Witte also add to the freshman roster, finishing sixth, seventh and ninth, respectively at the UTSA Ricardo Romo Texas Classic.

At the LSU Tiger Festival, Munoz, Witte and junior Erica Hannemann finished 10th, 11th and 12th. Junior Kelcee Keennan took 17th with a time of 24:08.

The men's team won the Johnny Morriss Invitational and have placed fourth at both the LSU Tiger Festival and UTSA Ricardo Romo Texas Classic.

For the men, freshman Nate Pineda has been a dominant competitor, taking second in the Johnny Morriss Invitational and third at the UTSA Ricardo Romo Texas Classic.

At the LSU Tiger Festival, freshman Anthony Jordan led the Cougars, finishing 17th with a time of 27:00 in the 8K. Junior Antony Keller took 18th.

Freshman Cole Bessner finished sixth at the Johnny Morriss Invitational with a time of 15:23, while Anthony Jordan and junior Mauricio Morales took the eight and ninth spot. Freshman Jesse Rodriguez finished 11th.

The Walt Disney World Cross Country Classic is slated to begin at 7:45 a.m. with the men's 8K race. The women will start at 8:30 a.m. with the 5K race.

For a complete recap of Saturday's event, visit www.UHCougars.com following the meet.