Oct. 30, 2005

The young men's cross country team will encounter yet another valuable opportunity to test their progress this Monday, as the Terps head to Florida State to compete in the 53rd annual Atlantic Coast Conference Championship.

Maryland enters the meet as one of the conference's most inexperienced squads. At the Great Meadows Invitational Sept. 10, the Terps' five best times came from freshmen. And at the Great American Cross Country Festival and Paul Short Invitational, freshmen made up four the team's top five finishers.

"This season has definitely been a learning experience," said coach Dr. Michael Garrison. "The young guys are doing a great job stepping into leadership roles that have traditionally been held by juniors and seniors."

Last season the Terps finished seventh out of 11 teams at the ACC Meet, which was won by NC State. But Maryland has since lost its top seven runners, including All-Region selection Pete Hess who has not competed this season. Overcoming those absences, coupled with the addition of Boston College to the ACC this year will make this year's Championship quite a challenge for the Terps.

"Everyone has stepped up and contributed this season. We're excited. The future is bright for the young men's team," said Garrison.

The men's 8k race will take start at 8:30 a.m. Monday, followed by the ACC awards ceremony.