The Trevecca Nazarene University cross country teams will host the Michael Pretorius Invitational at the Vaughn's Gap Course at Percy Warner Park Saturday.
Trevecca Track and FieldCross Country Director Austin Selby confirmed the decision after consulting with the families of the two student-athletes - Samantha Rosencrants / Abigail Baggott - injured this week in an automobile accident as well as his team and university officials.
"After extensive discussions with our athletes and athletic administration and taking into consideration feedback from Samantha and Abigail's families, we've decided moving forward with the Michael Pretorius Invitational Saturday is the best decision," Selby said. "While the team has been on quite the emotional roller coaster this week, they believe one of the best things they can do to encourage their injured teammates is to race on Saturday and honor them while doing so. Though our attention will be more than a little divided, our group is motivated to race."
The first annual Michael Pretorius Invitational is a race dedicated to a former Trojan who passed away this summer following a second bout with cancer. Pretorius first battled cancer during his senior year as a member of the cross country team at Trevecca. He was able to run one final race after chemotherapy treatments, and soon afterward Trevecca athletic director Mark Elliott established the Michael Pretorius Courage Award to honor his fight. The university has presented the award each year since during the school's annual TROJY award ceremonies.
After Pretorius passed this summer, Selby coordinated with Pretorius' wife Amanda and renamed the annual cross country meet in his honor. Proceeds from this year's event will benefit cancer patients and their families.
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