WeThis Week
The Minnesota men's cross country team opens the 2003 season Saturday at the BYU Autumn Classic in Provo, Utah. The 4-mile race gets underway at 11 a.m. (Central).

Head West Young Man
Minnesota will compete against four Utah schools (BYU, Utah, Utah State and Weber State) in the BYU Autumn Classic. Three of the five teams were ranked in the MONDO preseason poll with BYU at No. 12, Minnesota at No. 19 and Weber State at No. 21.

Carlson to Miss Season Opener
Senior All-American Andrew Carlson will miss the BYU meet with a back injury. He is expected to be ready for the Roy Griak Invitational in two weeks.

At the Head of the Pack
With Gopher team captain and returning All-American Andrew Carlson on the sidelines for the season opener, look for 2002 all-region performers Ryan Malmin and Ryan Ford to pace the Minnesota effort on Saturday.

Taking to the Trail for the First Time
Minnesota will have three runners compete in their first cross country meet on Saturday. Redshirt freshmen Tom Schmidt and Antonio Vega will make their collegiate debuts. Track national qualifer Trent Riter is a sophomore who trained with the team last fall but did not compete in a meet.

A Look Ahead
Minnesota's next competition is in two weeks when the Golden Gophers host the prestigious Roy Griak Invitational on Sept. 27.