The Siena Heights men's cross country team is set to open their season at the Calvin College Invitational, in Grand Rapids,Mich. on Saturday. The start time for the 8 kilometer race is set for 10:45 a.m.

Last season, the Saints pulled an upset at the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Championship Race, claiming runner-up and earning an at-large bid to the NAIA National Championship Race. Overall, SHU ended the season with a No. 29 NAIA rank and two All-WHAC performers.

Junior Esrom Woldemichael returns to the Saints squad after being named a All-WHAC performer as the Saints' top-runner, prior to an injury that kept him from finishing the NAIA Championship Race. Another key returner for Siena Heights will be senior Anthony Vermilye, who brings experience and great leadership skills to the table.

Looking to bring some new talent and speed to the SHU squad are newcomers Jareb Duggan, Joe Vermilye, Liam Heaney, Brad Bauer and Jordan Parkinson.

Head Coach Tim Bauer states the the key to this season will be the team's depth, the team's ability to stay healthy and for the sophomores and newcomers to keep pace with the upperclassmen. A couple important races this season include the National Catholic Championships and the WHAC Championships.