Return of the state champs: Saunders and Tatu

LYNCHBURG, VA - State cross country champions from this fall, Jefferson Forest senior Shannon Saunders and Thomas Dale junior Alex Tatu returned to racing action for the indoor season as both won their opening races at the Wally Gilbert Invitational at the Lynchburg College Fieldhouse.

Saunders and sister Kristin cruised through the mile as they finished 1-2 respectively in the mile run. Shannon finished with a time of 5:17.1 and fellow James Madison bound runner Kristin was clocked in at a time of 5:29.70. Not only will the Saunders twins looking for their own individual glory this winnter, along the rest of their distance squad they will look to continue their streak of state titles despite the graduation of state champion sprinter and jumper Ebony Foster.

Tatu continued to show his great range Saturday. A 4:14 miler as well as a state cross country champion, Tatu won the 2 mile run comfortably with a 9:50.6. With many of last year's top milers graduated, Tatu has a fairly good shot at getting his second state title this winter in the 1600.