Story by David Wahl III

WILMINGTON, Ohio - There is nothing more exciting than the first of a season. Earlier in the week, Wilmington men's cross country was able to compete for the first time in over 600 days, however, this weekend is much more anticipated by the runners. The first 8k race of the season. The Quakers will be heading out of state to Shelbyville, Indiana and facing off at Franklin College's course. 

The Race: Starting in the early hours of the day, the men will race in the 8k. 

The Location: Blue River Park - Shelbyville, Indiana

The Coach: Ron Combs enters his 26th season as head cross country coach at Wilmington College. A 1993 graduate of Wilmington, Combs was a member of the only cross country team to win a conference title in school history. Also the head track & field coach at the College, Combs led the Fightin' Quakers to two top-10 finishes nationally with a sixth place finish at the 2002 NCAA Division III Men's Indoor Track & Field Championships and a seventh place mark at the 2004 Women's Indoor Track & Field Championships.

The Squad: The Quakers have a number of fresh legs in the race. They look to add depth to a group that has established veterans on the team. 

Coverage: Results will be available after the conclusion of the race.  

Social Media: Wilmington athletics is represented on Facebook (Wilmington College Athletics), Twitter (@DubCQuakers) and Instagram (@DubCQuakers). Follow all the happenings of Wilmington College on social media by using the hashtag "#WeAreDubC".

Up Next: Wilmington travels to Springfield, Ohio on September 11, to compete at the home of old conference rivals: Wittenberg University.