DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. – Ranked 22nd in the NAIA, the Embry-Riddle men's cross country team will compete in its second meet of the 2013 season when the men travel to Gainesville, Fla. on Saturday for the 25th Annual Mountain Dew Invitational.
 
The University of Florida will welcome 28 schools for the meet, including 14 NCAA I schools and six NCAA II schools. In addition to ERAU, St. Thomas, Webber International, Johnson & Wales and Warner will represent The Sun Conference in Saturday's race.
 
Last season, Embry-Riddle had a strong showing in Gainesville. The Eagles finished in third place and were led by Evans Kirwa who came in second overall. Kirwa and the Eagles bested six NCAA I teams and six NCAA II teams in last year's meet.
 
This season, without Kirwa, the Eagles will look to junior Sun Conference Runner of the Week Vincent Bett to have consistent fast times and lead the team.
 
The 2013 edition of the Embry-Riddle men's cross country team made its debut last week at the South Florida Invitational, with a strong performance tying Florida Southern for first place in the Non-Division I group. Bett led the Blue and Gold with a sixth place finish (14:54), while senior Zachary Kraus, freshman Paul McKenna, fellow freshman Matt Graves and junior Jacob Dordick rounded out the Eagle scorers in Tampa.
 
On Saturday, Sept. 21, the Blue and Gold will host the annual Asics Embry-Riddle Classic for their only home meet of the season.