Miami XC Ready for Charlotte Invitational
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The University of Miami cross country program is ready for its third meet of the season, the Charlotte Invitational.
The Hurricanes will have 13 student-athletes compete in Charlotte, running seven in the men’s 8000m race and six in the women’s 6000m race at McAlpine Creek Park.
Miami distance coach Damon Griffiths expects his runners to continue building off their previous times and compete hard in Charlotte.
“We are going to a meet similar to the ACC meet that is also in North Carolina,” Griffiths said. “We are going to be in cooler conditions, so we want to able to go out there and compete hard against the teams in the meet.”
Beyond running in a competitive field, Griffiths believes competing in Charlotte will help Miami prepare for the conference meet on Nov. 1.
“I think it is very beneficial because for the majority of the season we have been running in warmer conditions in south Florida,” Griffiths said. “So we want to be able to go up to the Carolina area and get acclimated to that type of weather and environment.”
Miami’s men will feature a talented group led by JaCee Jarnagin, Luke Fontaine and Connor Adams. Newcomer Jonas Frenzel is also going to make his Hurricanes debut in Charlotte this weekend.
“We’re looking for Jonas Frenzel to actually to compete in his first full race this week so hopefully he’ll be able to add a good push for the men,” Griffiths said. “Connor Adams had looked real good in the last couple weeks of practice so were hoping they are able to come up and form a solid 3-4 member group.”
Lindsi Arrington is expected to lead the women in Charlotte with veterans Brooke Dovell, Alaine Tate and Taylor Votek also looking to make their mark.
“We’re taking a solid group of women up there,” Griffiths said. “We are looking for Lindsi to continue to excel. I think Alaine and Brooke, as well as Taylor, have an opportunity to go out there and have a good performance and maybe set a personal record on this course. I hope to put them in a position to gain more confidence going into the tail end of our cross country season.”
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