East Tennessee State University’s cross country teams will compete for an Atlantic Sun title Saturday, Oct. 28. The men’s team is anchored by sophomore sensation Michael Deren. “Mike has consistently ran at the front for us,” says assistant coach Michelle Byrne. She says the men are, “definitely in contention for a title.”
Deren finished first place for collegiate athlete in Boone earlier this month at Appalachian State. “If we work the best we can we can win,” he says. The guys are ranked second going into the conference championships behind Belmont. Deren contributes a lot of his success to the coaching staff. “Since last year we have been getting better. We have to work as one unit to accomplish our goals,” he said.
Injuries have been a factor for cross country earlier in the season. The women’s team will be ready, but needed a little help to round out the roster for the weekend. Elena Volobueva and Yevgeniya Stupak, both Buccaneer women’s tennis players, will travel to Gardner Webb to help the cross country team earn points.
“Both of the tennis players are going to step up and give us some added depth,” Byrne said. The women’s tennis coach, Steve Brooks knew about the injuries on the women’s cross country team and offered some help. “They see the men win the overall [Atlantic Sun] title and they want to do the same thing,” Brooks said.
Moving from one sport to the other may seem difficult, but the ladies on the tennis team run as part of their conditioning. “They’re not just tennis players they are good athletes that play tennis,” Brooks remarked. The tennis players won’t be doing all the work alone. Byrne says Vicki Currie, Valerie Boothby, and Christin Zink are three freshmen who will make an impact. “Their best race is ahead of them,” said Byrne.

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