Oct. 6, 2007

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa men's and women's cross country teams will race at the Bradley Classic on Oct. 12, a change from the teams' original schedule.

 

The Panthers, originally scheduled to compete in Arkansas' annual Chile Pepper Festival on Oct 13, made the change to accommodate the dedication ceremony for UNI's Mark Messersmith Track & Field Complex.

 

The complex is set to be dedicated at 2:15 p.m. on Oct. 13 as part of UNI's Homecoming weekend festivities.

 

"This works out well for our team because we get to run in a very competitive meet and still attend the dedication ceremony," said UNI Director of Running Programs Chris Bucknam. "I think it is extremely important for our student-athletes to be able to attend the dedication and help us recognize the contributions Mark Messersmith has made to our program and our university."

 

The Bradley Classic, to be held at Newman Golf Course in Peoria, Ill., will be the Panthers' final tune-up before the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Championships. UNI will host the MVC championship meet Oct. 27 at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course in Cedar Falls.