DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. – The Embry-Riddle men's and women's cross country programs will begin their 15th seasons of competition this weekend. The Blue and Gold will be in action Friday, Sept. 6 at the South Florida Invitational.
 
NCAA I University of South Florida will welcome 16 teams for the 2013 season kickoff invitational.
 
Last season, at the USF Invitational the Eagle men took third place, while the women finished in fourth place. The Eagle men will be searching for a replacement for the top finisher at the USF Invitational in 2012 as last year's winner Evans Kirwa (25:45.07), graduated in the spring. Senior, Ellie Staker was the top Eagle finisher on the women's side in 2012 (5th - 19:36.35).
 
Last season, the women's cross country team won its seventh straight Sun Conference Championship and placed 22nd in the NAIA National Championship.

The women's cross country team will return four All-Conference performers from 2012, including the 2012 Sun Conference Runner of the Year, Staker.
 
The men's cross country team won its eighth straight Sun Conference Championship, in 2012 and finished the season with a 26th place finish at the NAIA National Championship. The men return five All-Conference performers from 2012, including Newcomer of the Year Vincent Bett.
 
Both the Embry-Riddle men and women's teams were picked to win the Sun Conference in the 2013 Preseason Coaches' Poll. The men's cross country team will begin the 2013 season ranked 22nd in the NAIA.
 
The Eagles will host the annual Asics Embry-Riddle Classic on Sept. 21, 2013 in Daytona Beach, Fla.