Oct. 27, 2005

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern's cross country team heads to the Big Ten Championships this Sunday in Minneapolis with something to prove. The 2005 season has had its share of highs and lows and the Wildcats will be looking to show the rest of the Big Ten what they are capable of.

Sunday's 6K race is slated to begin at 10:45 a.m. with the awards presentation at 12:30 p.m.

"We have nothing to lose and everything to gain," head coach Amy Tush said. "We want to surprise a few teams that have taken us for granted throughout the season. If we can all perform and reach our potential on the same day, we will surprise some teams."

The Wildcats will be facing a tough championship field with five teams ranked in the latest FinishLynx Top 30 poll. Those teams include No. 3 Michigan, No. 6 Illinois, No.11 Minnesota, No. 23 Michigan State and No. 30 Iowa. The Wolverines have won the last three conference crowns.

"Throughout the year we have not had the same order of finish yet so we have the potential to do well if we can all come together and run consistently," Tush said. "We will run this meet with pride, confidence and heart because that is what the Big Ten Championships are all about."

Northwestern will send nine runners to compete at the event. Sophomore Marie Grabinski was NU's top finisher a year ago with a 35th place finish.

For complete championship coverage, Click Here.

Northwestern Runners:
Jessica Anderson
Mallory O'Niel
Allison King
Celia Franklin
Marie Grabinski
Megan Young
Hilary Forman
Carly Brown
Triphena Wong