Cross country runnersThe Lancer cross country team hopes to hit the ground running at the Windsor Open, Saturday in Malden Park.

Cross country contest a highlight of Lancer weekend

For the first time in 16 years, the Lancer cross country team will host a contest on its home turf when it takes to the course Saturday afternoon in Malden Park.

In partnership with St. Clair College, the Lancers will welcome teams from around Ontario University Athletics and the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association. The women’s 6km race will start at 1 p.m., and the men’s 8km race will follow at 1:45 p.m.

Windsor is coming off a strong performance at the Western Invitational last weekend in London. The Lancer men placed second overall while the women finished seventh. Stefanie Smith was named the Lancer Athlete of the Week for her strong performance in the race.

The only other home action in varsity sport is provided by the volleyball teams, which will host Niagara College for a pair of exhibition matches in the St. Denis Centre on Sunday, September 28. The women play at 1 p.m. and the men at 3:15 p.m.

The football squad will look to keep its unbeaten streak alive as it meets the York Lions in Toronto on Friday, September 26. Kick-off is at 7 p.m. The game will be webcast live on www.oua.tv.

Both men’s and women’s soccer teams will head to Sault Ste. Marie for their first-ever games against the Algoma Thunderbirds, which debuted this season. The teams will play Saturday and Sunday, with the women at 1 and the men at 3:15 p.m. each day.

Men’s hockey and basketball will each play pre-season games Saturday, the skaters in Oshawa against the UOIT Ridgebacks and the dribblers in Chatham against the Fanshawe College Falcons.