Oct. 8, 2007

Chapel Hill, N.C. - The North Carolina track and field teams are beginning their preparations for the 2008 indoor season. Just three months remain until the indoor track and field season will get underway and head coach Dennis Craddock is excited for the upcoming season.

"I am looking forward to see the end results of the Cross Country's 2007 season. So far I am excited to see how we do in the upcoming 'big' meets. Our Cross Country women's team has a good chance of returning to the NCAA Championship meet in November," head coach Dennis Craddock said.

Both men's and women's cross country teams return to competition this weekend. Fall training for the track and field team has been better these last few weeks than it has been in the past three years. The student-athletes have come in this year very energized. They are very dedicated and working very hard. The year 2008 is a new year and also an Olympic year. Carolina already has one qualifier, Brie Felnagle who ran the "A" standard and four others that have made the "B" standard for the USA Olympic Trials set to be held in Eugene, Oregon. The UNC track and field staff is excited to see what names will be added to the list.

Lastly, just a few words to bring you up to date with our alumni who are still competing internationally. Monique Hennigan was the fifth place finisher in the Shanghai, China meet in the 400 meters in a time of 51.59 on September 28, 2007. After placing eighth at the World Championships this summer, Shalane Flannagan, has competed twice. She competed in the 1500 in Zurich finishing in sixth place with a time of 4:10.86. Flanagan finished her 2007 season with a first place finish at the USA 5K road champs in Providence Rhode Island.