EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – For the first time in program history, the SIUE men's and women's cross country teams will compete in the Ohio Valley Conference Championships on Saturday morning in Oxford, Ala.

The women's 5K race begins at 9:15 am, before the men's 8K race starts at 10:00 am.  Both races will take place at Jacksonville State's Oxford Lake course.

"It goes without saying that we are excited and proud to compete in our first OVC Championship," Head Coach Eileen McAllister said.  "It will be a new experience for everyone."  

SIUE was last in action two weeks ago when they hosted the John Flamer Invite at the SIUE Cross Country Course on Oct. 13.

For the men, senior Aaron Werths (Granite City) led the Cougars like he has all season, finishing first with a time of 26:10.00.

On the women's side, freshman Kirby Hale (Springfield) picked up her first collegiate victory with a personal best of 19:24.00.

Although this will be SIUE's first time at the OVC Championships, the Cougars are looking to make their mark on the competition.

"We want more than simply just being there," McAllister added.

The Cougars will face a strong OVC field on Saturday led by perennial powerhouse Eastern Kentucky.  The Colonels will be gunning for their seventh straight conference title on the men's side and sixth OVC crown in the last seven years on the women's side.

More info on Saturday's meet can be found here.