CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Austin Peay State University men and women's cross country teams will kick off the 2009 campaign at the Sewanee Invitational, Saturday. The women's five-kilometer meet will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the 11 a.m. men's eight-kilometer race.

Following the departure of Tim Hall and Ryan Sexton due to graduation, the Govs will feature a very young team this season. Andre Braima is back for his senior season after missing extended time due to injury in his junior campaign. Senior Antonio Diaz, who took last year off, will be looked to for veteran leadership. Junior Enock Langat and sophomore Evan Collins will build on the promise of their 2008 seasons, while incoming freshmen Nick Gammon and Konnor Kessler hope to start their Austin Peay careers on the right foot.

The Lady Govs, meanwhile, will look to the experience of seniors Kate Gauf and Tracee Gruskiewicz and the speed of sophomore Janelle Avery, who broke the school's freshman record in the 5K at last season's UE Invitational with a 18:37.50 mark, to guide them in their 2009 season. Sophomores Shamai Larsen and Hannah Scruton and freshmen Arianne Clark and Alyssa Molnar will have to step up and fill the other two spots for the Lady Govs.

Head coach Doug Molnar has high hopes for the 2009 season-opener.

"Sewanee, traditionally, is a very tough meet," said Molnar. "Ohio Valley Conference rival Tennessee Tech will be there, as will Southeastern Conference foe Mississippi State. It will be a good early season test for us."

- AP -