The Niagara University cross country teams are set to begin the season at the Little 3 Championships on Friday, Sept. 2 at Delaware Park in Buffalo, New York. The women race starts at 6:30 p.m. and the men race (5K) starts at 7 p.m.
 
Welcome Back

• Head coach Christine Kloiber returns for her fourth season at the helm and Steve Whittemore is back for his second season as assistant coach.
• The men's team returns four from last season's roster: Tyler Van Leeuwen, Jordan Bender, Sergio Cruz and Ben Slate.
• The women's team returns eight from last season's roster:  Danielle Dorogi, Caroline Hampton, Sarah Grubbs,  Megan Helf, Kayla Murphy, Alyssandra Orfano, Alyssandra Orfano, Sam Sauer, Kylee Schultz and Emilee Welton.

 
Who's "NU"?

• The men's team welcomes Ryan DeLola, Ethan Graves, Aidan Russell and Matt Whitworth.
• The women's team welcomes Julia Freemire, Mallory Ronan and Kylee Schultz.

 
Race Notes

• The Little 3 Championships feature Niagara, Canisius and St. Bonaventure.
• In last year's event, the men's team took second while the women's team finished third.
• Tyler Van Leeuwen (16:22.60) and Caroline Hampton (19:27.90) are the top returners from last season's races, finishing 17^th and 10^th, respectively.

 
Stay connected with the Purple Eagles through social media. Follow Niagara Athletics on Twitter @NUPurpleEagles and for cross country updates at @NiagaraXCTF. Check in with the Purple Eagles on Facebook/PurpleEagles and on Instagram @NUPurpleEagles.