GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- Fall practice is underway for the Tusculum College cross country team. The Pioneers opened fall camp on Monday as they prepare for the upcoming 2011 campaign.

This year's squad features 13 runners, including four returners from last season's program. The women's team returns three letter-winners, including Jenny Grant, Kim Brown, Ashley Andrukonis. The lone returner on the men's squad is Elvis Machado.

"It's fun to have a group of runners on board who want to be good and work hard every day," said head coach Suzanne Byrd. "I like the youthful enthusiasm from our new runners. Even with our youth, I feel our program is heading in the right direction and we are on solid footing from top to bottom of our roster."

The Pioneers are working on base endurance and building mileage and speed as the team is involved in two-a-day practices in this first week. Coach Byrd is focusing on the runners' strength training and plyometrics.

Tusculum opens its season Sept. 3rd as the Pioneers compete at the Guilford College Cross Country Carnival in Greensboro, N.C.

- TC -