Nov. 7, 2007

DeKALB, Ill. - The Northern Illinois cross country team wraps up its scheduled season Saturday at the NCAA Midwest Regional Qualifiers in Peoria, Ill.

Cross country coach Mark McConeghey said his student-athletes are looking to bounce back from a disappointing performance at the Mid-American Conference Championships.

"Our goal is to run better than we did at conference, so we can end the season on a positive note," he said. "We were ready for the MAC physically, but didn't perform to our expectations."

The Huskies will run the NCAA regional at Newman Golf Course, home of host school Bradley.

"This race gives us another chance to build confidence heading into the offseason," McConeghey said. "This team is going to break through, it's just a matter of when."

The Huskies are facing their toughest opponents of the year at the qualifier, including No. 6 Minnesota, No. 12 Illinois and No. 19 Iowa.

But McConeghey is more focused on how his team will compete than who they will compete against.

"I think think we'll be more loose at regionals because the pressure to succeed is lessened," he said. "They are positive and upbeat heading into the weekend, I'm optimistic we'll have a good outing."