Clayton State opens 2007 season Saturday at
Georgia State Invitational
Two-time All-American Kreutzer paces Laker women; Laker men totally new for 2007

MORROW, Ga. – September 14, 2007 – The Clayton State Laker men’s and women’ cross country programs will open the 2007 season many new faces when they toe the starting line this Saturday morning at the 35th running of the Georgia State Invitational.

The women’s team will have a mix of veterans and newcomers, led by two-time Division II All-American senior Allison Kreutzer. The men’s squad, meanwhile, is brand new, composed of two juniors and six freshmen.

"There are many uncertainties as we enter this season, but I’m optimistic about the year," said Clayton State head coach Mike Mead, who begins his 13th cross country season, along with assistant coach Hugh Toro. "One of our keys to our success this season will be how our newcomers develop. On paper we look solid, but no telling when it comes to injuries and we’ve been a little nicked up the past two weeks."

Kreutzer, who is a three-time All-Region and All-Peach Belt Conference runner, will miss teammate Angela Cobb this season. The duo last year finished one-two in five races last season while leading the squad to a runner-up finish in the Peach Belt. Cobb went on to win the Peach Belt, qualify for nationals and earn Division II All-American honors.

Kreutzer, who has won 10 cross country races during her first three seasons, expects to add to that team record total. She’ll receive support from fellow senior Terrica Hamilton who was the team’s No. 4 runner last season. Freshman Chelsea Ellis will likely begin the season as the team’s No. 2 runner, while newcomers Jennifer Rhodes, Kara Stokes and Megan Stubbs will via to fill the remaining Top 5 spots on the team. Rounding out the squad are returnees Isabelle Ahanotu and Titisha Cochran, as well as newcomer Jessica Baskerville.

"Several of our newcomers to the women’s team are apprehensive entering the season since they have not run cross country before," Mead said. "Once they get a few races under their belts, they’ll all see their times improve. It’s all about confidence and experience."

The Laker men have the most to prove this season after a forgettable 2006 season in which the squad finished at the bottom of the Peach Belt after winning it all in 2005. The Lakers’ newcomers will be led by two junior college transfers in Anthony Aguilar and Au Nguyen. The freshmen corps will be led by Walid Berkhedle and Joey Chino with support coming for Jarrid Casimir and Kelsey Armstead. Rounding out the squad are Jeremy Adkins and Cameron Dixon.

"Until we finally race this weekend, I just do not know where we stand," explained Mead. "This bunch has been training very well. Since a majority of the teams we’ll face Saturday have raced at least once this season, we’ll be a little behind. Our primary focus is late October and early November, so as long as we stay healthy, we have an excellent chance for redemption."

Saturday’s meet on the Georgia State course at the Georgia Regional Hospital grounds will begin with the men’s 8K race at 9 a.m., followed with the women’s 5K race at 10 a.m. This marks the first time that both Clayton State teams have competed in the Invitational since 2004.