Oct. 10, 2007

AUBURN - The Auburn Men's and Women's cross country teams are set to compete in the 19th Annual Chile Pepper Festival in Fayetteville, Ark. The men's 10K is slated to start at 9:45 CT on Saturday, Oct. 13, at Agri Park, followed by the women's 6K at 10:30 a.m.

Over 40 Division I and II teams will compete in the meet including LSU, Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Baylor and Virginia Tech. With six weeks left until the NCAA Championships, the Chile Pepper 10K and 6K will be a solid indicator of what is to come in the NCAA meet.

Both the men's and women's teams are running their longest races so far this year. The Tigers are looking to pace themselves and rely on each other's motivation to run a solid course.

"This is the part of the season that shows how well the last three months have gone," said Peter Watson, Auburn's head coach. "This is the biggest meet thus far and the last race before SEC's."

The men's team is looking to come out running hard and smart after the Sept. 29 home meet. The team will face one of the deepest fields in the country as well as some of the toughest and highest ranked competitors.

"It is going to be very important that the guys are patient," said Watson. "I am really counting on Pat Philbin to help the younger guys out. We are looking for them to run as a pack and make their way through the field."

Philbin, a junior from Marietta, Ga., has been consistent this season with a 10th place finish and two 12th place finishes.

Running in the pack with Philbin will be junior Chase Oliver, sophomores Simon Nyang and Scott Novack, and freshman Joby Peake. The Tigers are also expecting a big meet from sophomore Felix Kiboiywo, who has finished first, second and sixth this year in meets.

"Felix is in for a fight," Watson said. "I know he is ready and very excited."

The women are also running their first 6K of the season, and first ever for four out of seven ladies.

"We have four girls who could do something special and really be in the mix of things in the front two groups," Watson said.

The Tigers are looking for big contributions from sophomores Sabrina Fischer and Laurel Pritchard, and freshman Amber Riley. Freshman Hollie Knight, who has been Auburn's top competitor in two of Auburn's meets this season, is questionable for Saturday due to a minor injury.

"Sabrina has made a huge jump in fitness the last two weeks and is showing she really is ready to compete. She has had a solid start to the season and now wants to get to the next level," Watson said. "Amber and Laurel are also getting along quite nicely in training and are ready to see where they are in a meet at this level."

Sophomore Katelyn Simpson and freshmen Allison Smith and Cathryn Albright are expected to play a key role in getting a fifth runner across the line for the Tigers.

"Every day you see these girls working hard and every day they are getting better," Watson said. "I know when it counts they are going to be there for the team."

Saturday's competition will be the final race for the Tigers before the SEC Championships which will be held on Oct. 27, in Lexington, Ky.