Meet Information

Event: J.K. Gold Classic (4k), hosted by Wichita State University
Date & Time: Saturday, Sept. 2, 9 a.m.
Location: Raft Golf Course, Augusta, Kan.
Participating Teams: Missouri, Kansas State, Wichita State, Butler Community College, Emporia State, Friends, Newman, and Southwestern.
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SPRINGFIELD -- The Missouri State women's cross country team opens its 2017 campaign Saturday morning with the J.K. Gold Classic, hosted by Wichita State University. The four-kilometer race will take place on the Raft Golf Course in Augusta, Kan.

Missouri State head coach Jordan Fife enters his fourth season as Missouri State's head cross country coach and welcomes four newcomers along with nine athletes who competed last season for the Bears.

J.K. Classic Highlights
The Bears will send 14 runners to the season opener, including five freshmen making their MSU cross country debut. Jasmine Crawford, Caroline Duboeuf, Lindsey Biesemeyer, Grace Breiten and Emily Graham will run in their first race for the Bears along with sophomore transfer Paityn Howat.

Jessica Allen who led the squad in all six events last season and recorded a career best 21:32.0 6k at the NCAA Midwest Regional returns for her senior season. Other returnees competing on Saturday include Danielle Bohannon, Jordyn Capra, Kayla Fallis, Mercedes Robinson, Madeline Saville, Claire Schwarz and Erica Wollmering.

The Bears have four regular-season meets this season before hoisting the MVC Cross Country Championship on Oct. 28. After the season opener in Wichita, MSU will next compete at the Missouri Southern Stampede in Joplin on Sept. 16.

Follow the Bears
For more information on the Missouri State cross country team, visit MissouriStateBears.com or visit the team Twitter @MSUBearsTrackXC and Facebook.