Sept. 3, 2010

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On Your Mark: Saint Louis begins the 2010 cross country campaign Saturday, Sept. 4, at the Duquesne Duals in Pittsburgh, Pa. The women's 5K begins at 8 a.m. (CT), while the men's five-mile run starts at 8:45 a.m. (CT).

About the Billikens: The 2010 edition of the cross country squad features six newcomers (three men, three women). Junior Hilary Orf led the Billiken women in every race last year, while senior Brian Holdmeyer was the Billikens' top runner on the men's side in all but two events. Adair Quisenberry, who had three top-three finishes for the Bills last year, returns for her junior season.

A-10 Preview:The Billikens will not only get a glimpse of their Atlantic 10 Conference competition at the Duquesne Duals, but they will also run at Schenley Park, the site of the 2010 A-10 Championships.

Senior Leadership: Both the men's and women's squads have a solid corps of senior leaders who will guide an otherwise young contingent of Billiken runners. Stanley Donahoo, Brian Holdmeyer, Jordan Jennings, Kyle Ross and Scott Vicker return on the men's side, while Sara Fraley and Maddie O'Quinn return for the women.

Fresh Faces: New additions on the women's side are Lauren Fyalka, Emily Meingast and Margo Richardson. Making their debuts on the men's side are Brian Anderson, James Collins and Carl Holborn.

Recapping Last Season: Both the men's and women's teams finished 11th at last season's A-10 Championship, which was run in St. Louis at Forest Park. Hilary Orf became the first Billiken to claim All-Conference honors by placing 13th in the event.

A Glance at the Schedule: After the Duquesne Duals, the Billikens will compete at the National Catholic Invitational at Notre Dame Sept. 17. The Billikens then run at Missouri State Oct. 2 and finish the regular season Oct. 15 at Bradley. The A-10 Championship is set for Oct. 30 at Duquesne, and the NCAA Regional takes place Nov. 13 at Bradley. Once again, the NCAA Championship (Nov. 22) will take place in Terre Haute, Ind.

Coaching Staff: Head coach Jon Bell is in his fourth season leading the Billikens' cross country and track & field squads. Fourth-year assistant Tim Bradley (men's distance coach) returns as does second-year assistant Jessica Scott (middle-distance coach).

Saint Louis Billikens Cross Country