MACOMB, Ill. - Leatherneck cross country begins the postseason this Saturday (October 29) at the 2011 Summit League Cross Country Championships. The meet, hosted by Oral Roberts, is held in Tulsa, Okla. Competition begins at 10 a.m. with the men's 8K followed by the women's 6K race at 11 a.m.

"Our training and racing have improved tremendously over the past two to three weeks," head coach David Beauchem said. "We are looking forward to the test the Summit League Championship will be for us this weekend. We have to step up and show the progression in our training is there for us in a race, that is what the championship is supposed to be about."

Several Leathernecks improved their 6K and 8K times by over a 30-second margin in their last competition at the Bradley Classic, and Beauchem expects the team to post even better times at the championship.

"I think we are ready," Beauchem said. "I expect Michael Castel and Chelsea Lynes to compete for All-Summit League honors and season-best races across both teams this Saturday."

The top seven finishers in each race are awarded First Team All-League accolades and Second Team All-League honors are awarded to eighth through 14th place finishers. In 2010, the Leathernecks were not able to have a student-athlete make the cut, and the men placed seventh overall while the women placed ninth.

For more information visit the Cross Country Championship page.