University Park, Pa.-The Penn State men's cross country team heads to the University of Illinois this weekend for the 2001 Big Ten Cross Country Championships. The men's 8,000 meter race starts at 11:30 a.m. from the University of Illinois Golf Course in Savoy, Illinois.

Coach Harry Groves and his Nittany Lions are receiving votes in the latest Men's Cross Country Poll, and are looking to build on last year's solid third place finish at the Big Ten Championships. The Lions have had a solid 2001 season thus far, finishing 23rd at the Roy Griak Invitational, First at the Paul Short Invitational, and second at the National Invitational.

The Lions are led by senior Steve Walsh (Sr., Blue Bell, Pa.). Walsh was named Big Ten Co-Athlete of the week for the week of October 12, with his third place finish at the Paul Short Invitational. Walsh also posted the top time of any Penn State underclassmen at last year's Big Ten Championship when he finished 23rd with a time of 24:59. Sophomore Scott Munro (South Park, Pa.) has also had a hot season with a first place finish at the National Invitational, and second place finishes at the Roy Griak Invitational and the Paul Short Invitational.