Oct. 27, 2006

Indianapolis, Ind.- The UIC men's and women's cross country teams are in Indianapolis, ready for Saturday's 2006 Horizon League Championship meet.

The men's 8,000-meter race begins at noon Eastern time, while the women's 5K event is scheduled for 12:40 p.m. Eastern.

The Flames enter the annual conference clash with high hopes for both the men's and women's squads.

On the women's side, 2005 All-Horizon League First Team finisher Laura Macias is among the favorites to win the 5,000-meter race.

The Flames will look to move up in the final league standings with the leadership of seniors Susana Martinez and Lisa Petty.

For the UIC men's cross country team, 2005 All-Horizon League Second Teamer Joseph Mbari will head a pack of savvy veterans and hungry youngsters that will seek to improve on the Flames' third-place finish at last year's meet.

Seniors Sam Watson and Jim Sulzberger will give Saturday's race their all in their final Horizon League title shot, while junior Jorge Flores, sophomore Alex Sutphen and freshman Nic Aubert will be among the underclassmen heading the UIC charge.

The UIC men's team enters the race with a No. 13 ranking in the Midwest Region by the United States Cross Country Coaches Association.

Check uicflames.com after the meet for a recap and results of Saturday's Horizon League Championship meet.