CLEVELAND, Miss. - With the start of the season less than a month away, Delta State University Cross Country officially opened fall camp on Wednesday, Aug. 14.

"The summer of finally over and our Lady Statesmen are ready to get to work," head coach Doug Pinkerton said.

The Lady Statesmen have eight runners on the roster, offering more depth than the 2018 campaign.

"I'm looking for a lot of leadership from junior Sydney Roberts, who was injured most of the season last year," Pinketon added. "Sophomores Abby Thomas and Jamie Claire Musselwhite learned a lot last year during their freshmen campaign and I am ready to see how they improve this year."

Five newcomers, three freshmen and two transfers, dot the roster as well.

"We will have several new comers this fall," Pinkerton said. "Pearl High School standout twins Clare Pinter and Hannah Pinter, and Savannah Hudgins from Tupelo High School are expected to make an immediate impact while transfers Cayce Smith and Cassidy Fitch have much needed experience that will only help us from the start."  

The Lady Statesmen will begin the season on Saturday, Sept. 7, at the University of Montevallo Falcons Classic. The 5K race will feature teams from around the region. 

Following the UM Classic, the Lady Statesmen will travel to New Orleans, La., for the All-State Sugar Bowl Festival 5K, hosted by Loyola University (La.), on Saturday, Sept. 14. This race will feature teams all divisions of the NCAA and professional runners from around the world.

DSU rounds out September at the University of Alabama in Huntsville Open on Saturday, Sept. 28.