Tampa Set to Host NCAA Cross Country South Regional

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa is set to host the 2013 NCAA South Regional Cross Country Championships on Saturday at Dover Trails in Dover, Fla. A total of 15 schools will be competing in the event as 13 men's teams and 15 women's teams will participate.

The women's 6K race will begin at 8 a.m., with the men's 10K to begin at approximately 9 a.m. An awards ceremony will follow the completion of competition at approximately 10:15 a.m.

The top three men's teams and the top three women's teams will earn berths in the 2013 NCAA Cross Country Championships. Additionally, the top two individuals from non-qualifying teams and all individuals from the top-five overall will advance. The national championships are scheduled for Saturday, November 23 in Spokane, Wash.

Tampa's women's squad is aiming for its seventh consecutive NCAA South Region Championship title while the men will also be one of the competing teams. In the men's race, Nova Southeastern University enters the race as the defending regional champions as the Sharks won in Huntsville, Ala., in 2012.

The Spartan women are coming off a Sunshine State Conference Championship after finishing first, while the men were fourth overall. Head coach Jarrett Slaven was named the SSC Women's Coach of the Year as his Spartans have finished first in four races in 2013.

Dover Trails is a spectator-friendly course located on Highway 60 approximately seven miles to the east of Brandon, Fla. After exiting Interstate 75, head east on Highway 60 for approximately seven miles. Once you pass the Dover Road Light at the bottom of the hill, the park entrance will be on the left.

Click here for the official web site of the NCAA South Regional