University of Arkansas-Fort Smith cross country coach Jason Merritt said he is excited about the upcoming season.
The Lions and Lady Lions endured their share of growing pains during their inaugural season last year, but the second-year coach expects both squads to be much improved with experienced, deeper rosters.
Both the Lions and Lady Lions began preseason workouts on Tuesday morning, and the somewhat cooler temperatures were a welcomed relief as the teams train for what will be a tough five-meet, regular-season schedule that includes three NCAA Division I events.
UA Fort Smith will open the regular-season on Sept. 3 when it competes in the Baylor Bear Twilight Invitational at Waco, Texas.
“We had a really good distance run (Tuesday) morning. Temperature plays a huge role in training quality, and we certainly welcome cooler weather. We even like to train in the rain,” Merritt said.
“Eighty degrees and higher makes it very difficult for the body to keep up with the cooling requirements. If the heat gets close to body temperature or higher, we really have to be careful. Heat stroke and dehydration are simply not worth the risk, and training quality is destroyed anytime you near them anyway.”
Merritt is putting his runners through a strenuous workout each morning beginning at 6:30 a.m.
“In addition to our standard distance runs, we are also running speed sessions. I am also focusing on educating the runners on the science and physics behind running mechanics,” Merritt said. “In between the runs and classes, we will be hitting weights and core work pretty hard.”
Merritt said he was very pleased with the condition in which his runners reported for preseason practice.
“Every athlete has a very receptive and coachable attitude. Our workload is tough and can seem overwhelming, but there is never any complaining,” Merritt said. “I was pleased to see evidence of good strength conditioning from summer training. The athletes have stayed in shape and are ready for a full workload for the most part.”
Merritt has roster spots available on both teams and will conduct an open tryout for prospective runners on Saturday at Fort Smith Southside High School’s track.
The tryout, which is open to men and women, will begin at 7 a.m., but prospective runners should report for check-in and warm-up no later than 6:30 a.m. The tryout will consist of a 2-mile time trial for both men and women.
Prior to participating in the tryout, prospective runners must fill out a tryout waiver form, which is available on-line at www.uafortsmithlions.com under the athletic training section, and return it, along with a proof of a physical, to Jeff McGee, director of sports medicine, at the Stubblefield Center (Office 120) to receive medical clearance to participate.
Prospective runners will not be allowed to participate in the tryout without medical clearance from the director of sports medicine.
Some scholarship assistance is available for those who qualify, provided they are asked to join the team. For more information, contact Merritt via e-mail at jmerritt@uafortsmith.edu.
