SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The College of Charleston is set to host the 2011 Southern Conference Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships at the Trophy Lakes course in Charleston, S.C., on Saturday, Oct. 29. The event begins with the men’s 8K race at 10:00 a.m., followed by the women’s 5K. The awards ceremony will conclude the championships.

The Appalachian State men are looking to defend their Southern Conference title and win their seventh consecutive conference championship. The Mountaineers were tabbed as the preseason favorites in the coaches’ poll, finishing just ahead of UNCG. Appalachian State returned three runners who finished in the top 20 at the conference championship last fall, Will Raby, Alex Taylor and Chris Moen.

UNCG, who finished 11-points behind the Mountaineers last year, is looking to claim this year’s title behind the strong running of Paul Chelimo who has the fastest time on an 8K course this season. Chelimo is a two-time Runner of the Week and was honored as the Runner of the Month for September.

The Samford women are seeking their third straight conference title this weekend. The Bulldogs were picked to finish second, behind preseason favorite UNCG. Lauren D’Alessio leads Samford and has the fastest time on a 5K course this season. The junior finished second at last year’s championship.

UNCG returns senior Ashley Schnell, who claimed the 2010 Southern Conference Women’s crown. As a team, the Spartans finished third last year.

On the men’s side, seven of the top 10 finishers from the 2010 championship return, while five women in the top 10 from last season’s championship are set to compete.

For complete results and photos from the championship, log onto www.soconsports.com.