Jackson led Vikings set to host WWU Invitational Saturday...

BELLINGHAM-- The nationally ranked Western Washington University men's and women's cross country teams make their only home appearance this Saturday at the 39th annual Viking Invitational at Lake Padden Park.

The men's 10-kilometer race begins at 10 a.m., followed by the women's 6-kilometer run at 11 a.m.

Western will be led by Chip Jackson (left/photo courtesy WWU Athletics), who won the open section of the Sundodger Invitational at Seattle's Lincoln Park last month.

The Vikings are ranked No.11 in the men's division and No.23 in the women's division in this week's United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association NCAA Division II Top 25 polls.

In previewing the meet, Viking coach Pee Wee Halsell said, "I'm looking for a solid run that shows improvement from two weeks ago."

"And I want to see where we stack up to Alaska Anchorage. They are the team to go after, both for the men and the women."

Alaska Anchorage, which is the two-time defending WWU Invitational champion in both divisions, is No.5 in the women's poll and No.7 in the men's rating.

He plans to run everyone who is healthy Saturday.

Western's release is available here.

NOTE:  The sports information office at Western Washington University contributed to this report.