Sept. 27, 2006

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Fighting Illini will travel to South Bend, Ind., on Friday, Sept. 29, for the 51st Notre Dame Invitational, where they will face a stacked field of competitors, including seven nationally ranked teams.

The Orange and Blue, ranked seventh, will face fierce ranked competition from Michigan (3), North Carolina State (12), Providence (16), Michigan State (20), North Carolina (25), Georgia (27), and Florida State (29).

Head coach Karen Harvey has been looking forward to this race since the beginning of the season to test the talents of her squad.

"We are looking to run fast, but more importantly, to run in a tighter pack and work together to accomplish our goals," Harvey said. "With Michigan, NC State and Providence in the race, it will definitely be an extremely competitive team race. I expect the race at the front to go under 16:40, as well. This meet will provide the challenge we are looking for."

The Illini will look to improve upon their 2005 performance in which they overcame six ranked teams to finish second.

Racing action will take place at the nine-hole Notre Dame Golf Course in South Bend, Ind. The women's 5,000-meter blue race will begin at 4:15 p.m., followed by the men's race at 5 p.m. Illini results can be found at www.fightingillini.com following the competition.