Oct. 29, 1999

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The University of Memphis men's and women's cross country teams left today to participate in the Conference USA meet at UNC-Charlotte.

The men's team will lead off the Saturday competition when their meet begins at 10 a.m., (EST). The Tigers, who have just three scholarship runners and three walk-ons, hope to defy the odds and finish high in the team scoring.

"We are a little down this year team-wise, but all of our runners seem to be peaking at the right time - that translates into a shot at a good team finish," Coach Greg Russell said.

"And we do have three runners who can compete with anybody in the conference. Christian Schmallegger, Kevin Foltz and Balasz Laszlo have been ranked in the top 50 of the conference all season long, they all have a shot at all-conference honors. And Christian has posted the eighth fastest time in the conference this year."

Schmallegger posted his season-best time when he finished in 25:05.0 at the Saluki Invitational in Carbondale, Illinois. He has had five top 10 finishes this season, including an eighth-place finish at the University of Memphis Invitational two weeks ago.

The women's team will start at 11:00 a.m. The Lady Tigers have been led by sophomore Lilly Lebron this season. Lebron finished second at the University of Memphis Invitational and has posted a team-fastest 19:34 for 5,000 meters this season. LeBron has found consistent teammates in freshman Katy Bondeson and Tara Belt.

Belt, a graduate of Germantown High School, posted her fastest time of the season at the U of M Invite with a 21:01.01, while Bondeson covered the 5K course at Carbondale, Illinois, in 20:49 for a season-best. Both have scored in every meet this season.

Sophomore Andrea Dahlman also will push for one of the scoring spots for the Tigers. The Memphis native, a graduate of St. Agnes Academy, posted a season-best time of 21:30 at Carbondale.