It's one of the biggest meets in the state every year.For UNM's cross country teams, it's also going to be a test of how good the Lobos will be this season.The cross country season gets underway Saturday as UNM hosts the Lobo Invitational at the UNM North Golf Course.There are 13 teams joining the Lobos in the men's and women's collegiate races, in addition to 24 high school teams in separate races.UNM head coach Matt Henry said the Lobo Invitational is one of the most important meets for the team."This is my favorite meet all year long," he said. "All of our people are from New Mexico. They get to run in front of people they know. At all the other meets, it's not the same kind of support that we can get here."The UNM women's team could be set to have a solid season following one of its best years under Henry. In 2005, the Lobos placed second at the Mountain West conference Championships, the best finish in school history.
Returning from that team will be senior Timmie Murphy and junior Leslie Luna, two of the teams' top runners from last season. They were named All-MWC and All-NCAA Mountain Region in 2005.Henry said Luna and Murphy could have big years in 2006."On the women's side, I think we're set up to do something very special," Henry said. "We got a great team with Timmie and Leslie. They both could probably qualify out of the region as individuals."While Luna and Murphy have experience in big races, it's up to the rest of the women to see how far the team can go, Henry said. "If we get the rest of the girls going - and I can already see that, that can happen just through our workouts - then I could see this girls' team getting out of regionals and going further," Henry said. "We turfjust have to keep them healthy and keep them excited about running."One of the runners who will have a chance to make an impact on the team is junior Stasia Ploskonka. The junior was forced to sit out most of last season with a leg injury but is healthy enough to race this season.Ploskonka has shown her talents on the track, holding the school record in women's steeplechase.The Manzano High School graduate said she is excited to get back on a cross country course, especially at the home meet."I love running at home," Ploskonka said. "You have your coaches from high school, because most of us are New Mexico runners.
You have family that can come and watch us, and it's a lot easier."On the men's side, the team will rely on junior Jeremy Johnson and senior Juan Ortega. The two are the most experienced on the team, with Ortega being the only senior on the roster.Henry said the rest of the team is inexperienced.
"We got leadership in the front, and we're pretty young after that," Henry said. "We've got Mike Deason and Chris Bratton and Dylan, but they haven't had the racing experience that I wish we could have with those guys."Henry said there is potential with the men's team, and good things can happen
if they get off to a fast start at the Lobo Invitational."I think we can have a good day," he said. "We get to run at home, and that's a good deal for us. Our men can do something if we can get a little luck going there."
