After recent victories in last week’s cross country meet at Northern Illinois, Eastern men’s and women’s cross country teams are looking forward to the tougher challenge this weekend.

The meet at Bradley this weekend has been prosperous for the teams in past years. In fact, the men are two-year defending champions. But with the addition of Illinois St. and other teams, the test is going to be this year will be greater.

“It is going to be a lot tougher this year, but I think we’ll be a little disappointed if we don’t come away with a win”, last season Ohio Valley Conference `Runner of the Year’ Jason Bialka said.

A confident Panther team should be excited about the upcoming year on the men’s and women’s side. The depth is continued from last year and a lot of younger runners are showing real progress.

“I’m excited about this weekend on both fronts,” head coach John McInerney said. “We have a chance to take some younger runners, which should make for a fun opener.”

The rigorous workout the Panthers had before last week’s meet was hard on everyone. This week however, the team has lightened the load a little, cutting down the mileage to save everyone’s legs.

“Last week we had a lot of heavy mileage, so this week we’re trying to get everyone’s legs fresh,” McInerney said.

Making sure the team is well rested should give the Panthers a chance to really push themselves this weekend.

“We just really want everyone to start on a good note,” Bialka said.

A good start will be needed for the season the Panthers are trying to have. The expectations are high, but definitely attainable. Being ranked sixth in their region at one point last year, and finishing 10th is something the men’s team wants to build on.

“On the men’s side we are capable of having a banner year,” McInerney said. “We have a big group with more experience then we’ve had in the past. Week by week we should establish and test ourselves.”

The women are also looking very promising. Depth is also something they are blessed with this season.

“With nine girls, this is the deepest we’ve had on the women’s side,” McInerney said.

Having 16 women’s teams at Bradley this weekend, and the University of Illinois and Northwestern in competition, the Panthers are definitely going to have there work cut out for them.

“Finishing in the top five this weekend should be a good goal for us,” McInerney said.

There is no question the Panthers are going to have to run like it’s mid-season at Bradley this weekend. Coming off a good season opening win last weekend might just give them the momentum they need.

“This is the best team, potential wise, I’ve been apart of, Bialka said. “A national birth is not out of the question.”

This year’s cross country team are looking good and expect to post some banner numbers this season.

“Once we get on those lines together, I think bonds will be made and we’ll really come together,” McInerney said.