Once again, the season will start with the teams traveling to Spartanburg, S.C. to the Milliken facility for the 2010 Eye Opener. This race has become the largest cross country invitational in the state. Last year at least 20 colleges and 56 high schools had runners competing. PC has not competed since 2008 when the men finished tenth and the women twelfth. Both teams finished fourth in 2007.

"I'm happy to be taking the teams back to the Eye Opener, " said Palmer. "It has proven to be a great course with good competition. Also, since our race precedes the high school races, it gives us a chance to showcase ourselves in front of a large audience."

The Blue Hose will then return to race at Winthrop University for the 24th Annual Asics Invitational on September 18. PC has competed in this event every season since 2004. Both teams' highest finish came in 2006 when they finished runners-up in the Division II field. Like last year's Furman Invitational, this race will also be dual-scored as the South Carolina Intercollegiate State Meet. After the overall winner is announced, there will be a separate winner for the teams from South Carolina schools.

"Winthrop puts on a great race every year. I think we'll benefit from racing here again. Furthermore, being able to return in mid-October will allow us to apply what we've learned and hopefully show improvement on the familiar course, " commented Palmer.

The weekend of September 25, both teams will travel to Blacksburg, Va. for the Big South Conference's Championship Preview Meet. Nearby Radford University is hosting the race that will give the attending schools a chance to see and run on the championship course.

"We've never participated in the preview meet. Yet, this year it works out for us to travel to Virginia twice. I think this early trip will give us an added layer of comfort at the conference championship. And in our sport, that can translate to better results, " added Palmer.

Instead of hosting the Blue Hose Invitational, Palmer is taking the team to the Charlotte Invitational on October 1. This will be the first time PC has competed in this race, but last year five teams from the Big South raced there. UNC Charlotte will be hosting the race at the illustrious McAlpine Park.

"Racing at McAlpine Park will be a great experience for any of my runners who haven't run there before. Wendy's and Footlocker both host large invitationals there that draw runners from all over the United States, " Palmer stated. "It can be a fast course; but, more importantly, it will give us an additional look at several Big South opponents."

The team will then take off October 11 for PC's Fall Break. On October 16 they will return to Winthrop for their Fall Classic. Unlike every other race, this one will be only a 4k for the women and a 6k for the men. This race will serve as a final tune-up for the Big South Conference Men's and Women's Championship.

After another off weekend, the Blue Hose will return to Blacksburg, Va. on October 30 for the 2010 Big South Conference's Men's and Women's Cross Country Championship. This will be the last season of transition to Division I.