FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Northern Arizona cross country opens what is sure to be an exciting season this Saturday when they host the George Kyte Classic at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff.

"I feel really confident," said Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Eric Heins about the start of the season. "I knew we had a good team, but it's always great to see the athletes did the training over the summer and came into the beginning of the year in shape and ready to pick up from here."

The men are looking to defend titles at the Big Sky Championships and Mountain Regional while improving on their runner-up finish at the NCAA Championships. The women look to improve on their Big Sky runner-up finish and sixth-place Mountain Regional finish. Both teams were picked to finish first in the Big Sky Preseason Coaches' Poll.

"It's definitely a tribute to the girls and how they've progressed over the past few years," said Assistant Cross Country Coach Leah Rosenfeld. "Rankings are rankings and it's not going to make or break our season, but I'm definitely excited people are noticing how good our girls have become and that their hard work is paying off."

Last year, the men won the George Kyte Classic while the women finished second. Leading the 'Jacks was first-place Matt McElroy on the men's side and third-place Melanie Townsend on the women's side. Both are back for the 2014 campaign.

This year is the 34th running of the George Kyte Classic. The meet is named after the late Dr. George Kyte, professor emeritus of history at NAU.  Kyte was a longtime supporter of NAU athletics, track and field and cross country in particular. The event was run with Kyte in attendance until 2004.

The women's three mile runs at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday with the men's 8K following at 2:15 p.m.

Teams Competing

Arizona

Arizona Christian

Arizona State

Benedictine University at Mesa

Dine College

Dixie State

Embry-Riddle Arizona

Estrella Mountain CC

Glendale CC

Grand Canyon

Navajo Tech

New Mexico Highlands

Northern Arizona

Pima CC

Western New Mexico