The Wolfpack started its cross country season against a flood of NCAA Division I schools at the Tulane Invitational last Friday.

The meet included such schools as Louisiana State University, the University of New Orleans and Birmingham Southern College.

According to Head Coach Paul Garvey, the competition was a good way to start off the season.

“I thought that we ran very well against some of the biggest schools in the nation,” he said. “That kind of competition can only make you better.”

On the men’s side of the course, Michael Gulotta, history junior, completed the 5,000-meter course in 15 minutes, 52 seconds. It is a Loyola personal best for him.

According to Gulotta, he is always looking to improve on his numbers.”It’s a great way to start the season, but I need to keep on improving every week,” he said.

Joe Kutner, computer information systems and music senior, recorded a time of 16:53.63. His time put him 28th in the final standings.

“Joe had a very good race,” Garvey said. “His time this year was faster than our number one runner recorded in last year’s race.”

Natalie Sargent, general studies sophomore, led the women with a time of 13:10.72, good for 22nd place.

Garvey said that he was impressed with Sargent’s performance on Friday.

Along with Sargent, two newcomers finished their first collegiate meet of the year. General studies freshman Kimberly Kujaneic finished with a time of 13:41.33.

Sarah Miles St. Claire, communications freshman, rounded out the runners crossing the finish line in 14:04.63.

Claire said that she was happy with the first race of the year.

“I am glad that I performed well in my first meet,” she said.

Today, the men’s team will travel to the University of Southern Mississippi to take on more Division I foes.

“It should be another good meet for us,” Garvey said. “There will be some hard competition which will be a good test.”

Tomorrow, the women’s team will drive across town to compete in the Xavier University meet.

The meet will give the women a chance to run against more Gulf Coast Athletic Conference schools. According to Garvey, this weekend will provide both groups with quality competition.

“There is a lot of important work that we have to do if we want to win the conference again,” he said. “We just have to improve every week.”