After finishing second overall in their respective races at the Duquesne Duals, the Canisius College men's and women's cross country teams return to competition on Friday, Sept. 17 at the 32nd annual National Catholic Championships in South Bend, Ind. The event will take place on the campus of the University of Notre Dame, featuring 823 total runners on the men's and women's side. The Championships will begin with the women's race slated to start at 4:15 p.m. followed by the men's race at 5 p.m.

Among a field of 32 teams, the Canisius women's team will look to improve on its 2010 finish of ninth place. The Golden Griffins have placed in the top-10 for three consecutive years at the National Catholic Championships. In 2009, the Griffs recorded their best finish, placing second overall.

The Canisius men's team hopes to return to their top-10 form at this year's Championships after finishing in 16th place last season. In 2009, the Griffs had their best showing under men's and women's head coach Peter Osmond, placing ninth overall. This year, the Griffs will be among 32 teams competing for the team crown.

"We want to see some improvement that is what we want to see," said Osmond. "We have time goals and place goals for this race. We have our goals and hopefully we go down there and reach them."

Women's results at National Catholic Championships under Osmond
2010: 9th
2009: 2nd
2008: 9th
2007: 11th
2006: 16th
2005: 30th
2004: 26th
2003: 18th

Men's results at National Catholic Championships under Osmond
2010: 16th
2009: 9th
2008: 15th
2007: 13th
2006: 13th
2005: 20th
2004: 23rd
2003: 15th