Sept. 5, 2006

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This Week in Cross Country: The Saint Mary's men's and women's cross country teams open the 2006 season on Saturday, September 9 at the 36th Annual Aggie Invitational from Davis, CA. The women begin their 5K run at 9:00 a.m. The men will run their 8K race at 9:45 a.m.

Scouting the Competition: The Aggie Invitational will feature two Big West Conference schools, UC Davis and Pacific. Notable Pac-10 teams competing at the Aggie Invitational will include Stanford and California. San Jose State will be the lone team representing the WAC.

Gaels Led by Seniors: The Gaels return the top runners for both the men's and women's teams in seniors Sean Hanley and Clare Schwallie. Hanley competed and placed in all seven races for the Gaels last season, finishing first in five. Schwallie was the lead runner in all six races she ran last season.

A Look at SMC Head Coach Randy Rau: Randy Rau enters his eighth season as the head men's and women's cross country coach. In his first season at the helm he was named WCC Coach of the Year. Under his tutelage, runners have earned four All-WCC selections, a Freshman of the Year honoree and five honorable mention accolades. Individually, both the men and women's school records have been shattered. Members of his men's team have posted 29 of the 30 fastest times in the history of the program.

Next Week for the Gaels: The Gaels will head south next weekend to compete in the San Diego State Aztec Invitational. The meet that will be held in Balboa Park is scheduled for Saturday, September 16 with the first race beginning at 9 a.m.