South Dakota head cross country coach Dan Fitzsimmons has released the program’s 2015 schedule, a slate which begins on Sept. 4 and races through November as the program aims for its first NCAA Championship berth as a team.
“We intentionally made this season’s schedule comparable to last year to build off the success we had,” said Fitzsimmons. “By racing on courses that provide continuity and consistency, we are able to measure fitness levels between seasons. At the same time, I am excited for the athletes to experience Rim Rock Farm when they race at the NCAA Regional.”
The regular season begins with the NDSU Bison Open on Sept. 4, a rivalry triple-dual showdown at Rose Creek Golf Course in Fargo, N.D. South Dakota will battle North Dakota State, North Dakota and South Dakota State.
After a two week hiatus, the Coyotes travel to St. Paul, Minn., for the 30th annual Roy Griak Invitational on Sept. 26. On the women’s side, 2014 National Champion Michigan State, runner-up Iowa State and five NCAA qualifying teams made appearances at the meet a year ago. Five NCAA qualifying men’s teams also ran at the Griak last season. The meet will provide an opportunity for the Coyotes to boost national rankings.
South Dakota takes an early look at the league championship course by racing the SDSU Classic on Oct. 3 in Brookings, S.D.
To close out the regular season, the Coyotes return to the Bradley “Pink” Classic in Peoria, Ill., on Oct. 16. As another large meet with nearly 30 teams, the Bradley “Pink” Classic will serve as a second opportunity to improve national rankings heading into the postseason.
In the sequel to a successful 2014 Summit League Championship meet, the Coyote women aspire to repeat as Summit League Champions on Oct. 31 at the Edgebrook Golf Course in Brookings, while the men shoot for their first program title.
Kansas plays host to the 2015 NCAA Midwest Regional meet on Nov. 13 at Rim Rock Farm in Lawrence, Kan. Should either the men or women finish in the top two at that meet or receive a wildcard bid, they would advance to the 2015 NCAA National Championships held at E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park in Louisville, Ky., on Nov. 21.
