Sept. 4, 2008

LUMBERTON, NC - With tropical storm Hanna nearing the North Carolina coast, the Winston-Salem State University Cross Country teams will get an early start to the 2008 season when they take part in the UNCP Invitational on Friday afternoon at 6:00 p.m. The Rams and Lady Rams will look to return to the event where the team has had some fantastic performances.

WSSU senior Irene Jeptolo will return to the event that she won last season and placed fifth in 2006. She will look to add her third top five finish at the event in four seasons of cross country competition at WSSU. Last season, Jeptolo won the UNC-Pembroke Invitational, crossing the finish line in 16:03.57 in the 4K event.

The Rams will look to rebuild with the graduation of former Ram Kenneth Koech, but WSSU junior Sadat Kahin will lead the way for the Rams this fall as he had the top returning time for WSSU in the event, finishing 26th in the 6K event in a time of 23:21.25.

The WSSU cross teams are scheduled for a 6:00 p.m. start to the event on Friday afternoon.