CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. --- The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga men's and women's cross country teams will open the season this weekend in separate races on the road. The women will begin the year at Jacksonville State while the men will run in the Belmont Opener.
 
On Friday, the Mocs women's team will run the 4K course of the JSU Strut's Season Opener hosted by Jacksonville State at the JSU Cross Country course in Oxford, Ala. The Mocs are one of 19 teams in the competition.
 
The men will open the season at the annual Belmont Opener at the Percy Warner Park in Nashville, Tenn.
 
The women return all-conference performers seniors Anna Kate Chance (Columbia, Tenn.) and Hannah Chamblin (Memphis, Tenn.) along with fellow seniors Maddison Melchionna (Afton, Tenn.) and Jessica York (Normandy).
 
Newcomer Kennedy Thomson (Catharine's, Ontario) is one of several newcomers to the squad.
 
"It is such an exciting opportunity to be a part of such a great team with an excellent reputation," Thomson said. "As newcomers it is our official debut as Mocs and we are excited to put on our new uniforms and rep the 'C'!
 
"It's a long season, but this meet will be important to begin on a good note to give us a little bit of confidence and momentum for the championship races."
 
The four seniors have provided a strong mentorship for the younger runners in workouts, in the pool and offering positive supportive feedback.
 
"All of the freshmen are excited to be here and we're looking forward to contributing to the team as best we can to earn their respect."
 
Also heading to Jacksonville are Hannah Caldwell (Brentwood, Tenn.), Julia Henderson (Brentwood, Tenn.), Haley Morris (Lenoir City, Tenn.) and Rebekah Wich (Murfreesboro, Tenn.).
 
The men return all-conference runner senior Paul Stuart (Brentwood, Tenn.) and all-freshman team member Richard Guiry (Nashville, Tenn.).
 
They are joined by Mark Britt (Lebanon, Tenn.) and John Payne (Portland, Tenn.) along with Brennen Huber (Manchester, Tenn.) and freshman Nathan Watson (Hendersonville, Tenn.).
 
Senior Trevor Janssen (Jordan Station, Ontario) took last year off and returns this season to add veteran leadership to the young squad.
 
The women's race begins at 7 p.m. Friday night in Oxford, Ala., while the men's race is slated to start at 10 a.m. Saturday in Nashville, Tenn. Both times are Eastern.
 
Results will be available at GoMocs.com following both races.
 
 
 
Jacksonville State Strut's Season Opener Teams List
Auburn
Auburn Montgomery
Birminghan Southern
Chattanooga (women only)
Clayton State
Columbus State
Florida A & M
Georgia State (women only)
Jacksonville State
Mercer
Miles College
Samford
Shorter
Troy
Tuskegee
UA-Huntsville
Univ. of North Alabama
Valdosta State
West Georgia

Belmont Opener Teams List
Austin Peay
Belmont
Chattanooga (Men's only)
Lipscomb
Murray State
Nashville Harriers (unattached)
Rhodes
Tennessee St.
Trevecca Nazarene
Vanderbilt