PHILADELPHIA – The La Salle men's cross country team is set to embark on its biggest meet of the season thus far at the fourth annual Wisconsin Adidas Invitational on Friday.

The men's field boasts 46 teams in total, over 25 of which are nationally ranked in the top 40. The 8K race is scheduled for a 12:40PM start at the Thomas Zimmer Championship Cross Country Course.

La Salle is the only A-10 school represented in the field in its first-ever appearance at the event.

The Explorer men enter the weekend ranked fifth in the most recent USTFCCCA Mid-Atlantic Regional Poll, the highest-rated A-10 squad in the ranking. Senior Alfredo Santana has led the team in the early going, earning two individual race titles and another fourth place finish. He has twice been named "A-10 Men's Cross Country Performer of the Week" this season. In its most recent meet, La Salle finished first at the Mason Invitational on September 29.

Head coach Dan Ireland expects his team to withstand the competition in the country's premier cross country event.

“This meet will be the biggest and most talented meet that La Salle has ever participated in,” Ireland said.

“Our goal is to finish in the top 30 as a team and run a very competitive race. We want to end the regular season on a positive note so that we have some momentum heading into the A-10 Championships.”

This event will serve as a primer for the Explorers, with its next meet coming October 27 at the A-10 Championships.