Cross Country Invitational to be Held at A&M International

The Texas A&M International University Police 2001 Cross Country Invitational will take place Saturday, September 15, at the University's campus, 5201 University Boulevard. The A&M International Police Department invites all middle and high school students in Laredo and United Independent School Districts as well as other area school districts to compete in six races, scheduled every 30 minutes from 8 -10:30 a.m.

Races are in the following divisions: middle school boys and girls, freshman boys and girls, junior varsity girls, varsity girls, junior varsity boys and varsity boys. Varsity and junior varsity boys will run three miles, while other participants will run two miles. The course covers asphalt, dirt, grass and includes some hills. Team champion and runner-up plaques will be awarded for varsity boys and girls and medals will be awarded to the top 20 runners in each division.

Sgt. Jaime Ríos, Invitational coordinator, expects a well-attended event, with about 400 students participating. This is the fourth year of the Police Cross Country Invitational, explained Ríos, and entry fees will help fund the University Explorer Post.

"The event was created in September 1998 to help local schools with local races and help raise funds for the A&M International Explorer Post. The award-winning Explorer program at the University is part of the Boy Scouts of America, and is open to both boys and girls between the ages of 14 and 21 years of age," Ríos said.

"By participating in the program, Explorers build character, develop leadership skills and potential, gain an appreciation for community service and develop good citizenship. Youths learn about law enforcement by volunteering for some services that the University Police provide for the University and the community," explained Ríos.

For more information about the Police Cross Country Invitational or the Explorers Post, please contact Ríos at 326.2102, visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 002, or go online: http://www.tamiu.edu/adminis/police.

University office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu