 "Photo: Loyola Maroon/File Photo")
Loyola's Cross country team is set to host their 5k track tournament invitational for the 2nd time Saturday, Sept. 11th at Lafreneire Park in Metairie, LA. Men are set to run first, followed by the women. After many practices and preparations, Andy Canegitta, the cross country coach, is ready for the team to face their toughest opponent in the Southern States Athletic Conference, Shorter College.
"The reason is, that they have an All-American and 2010 cross country National Champion returning to their team," Canegitta said. "Shorter College is currently ranked #21 in the pre–season ranking."
But with new additions to the team,: Danielle Prieto, Vanessa Righeimer, Elizabeth Gienger, Gabriel Quinn, Abraham Thacker, Lontaerio Devaill and Alex McDonald, Annelise Rickert, cross country captain and English junior, is positive about having a successful season.
"I am expecting this season to be injury free, 100 percent out of all the runners and dedication by all the members of the team," Rickert said. "For me, I'm expecting myself to improve from my time and not get any injuries, since I'm prone to them."
Rickert expressed how balancing time is a huge challenge her and her teammates face while preparing for this tournament. "I think the toughest part about preparing for this tournament is being able to balance everything between going to school, organizations, sorority life and sports," Rickert said.
Rickert feels the work that the team put into this tournament' is well worth it and admires her teammate's perseverance and devotion to their practice for improving.
"The best part about this tournament experience is the sense of satisfaction of completing an adequate time, and improving it," Rickert said. "Giving it your all and bonding with my teammates are also the best part about this tournament."
Strong leadership is key to a strong team, and Rickert praised Canegitta''s ability to create a strong sense of team unity."Coach Andy...has gotten the team closer and given us more direction since there are older students there to help new students," Rickert said.
With the two teams' sense of dedication, perseverance, and unity, the team expects to have a great season.
Yvette Naniuzeyi can be reached at
ynnaniuz@loyno.edu
is a member of the 
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