HONOLULU—The University of Hawai'i cross country team will be off and running Saturday morning in the annual Big Wave Invitational to kick start the 2022 schedule.
 
The Rainbow Wahine will welcome Hawai'i Pacific, UH Hilo, Chaminade, and Pacific to Kahuku Golf Course for the meet. The morning will consist of two races, as the men's race will take off at 7 a.m. HT, followed by the 'Bows competing at 7:45 a.m. HT in the women's race.
 
Head coach Tim Boyce returns five student-athletes from a year ago, including senior Sophie Morgan. In 2021 Morgan claimed the top spot for the 'Bows in five of six meets, including a first place finish in the Big Wave Invitational with a time of 19:19.6. As this season progressed, Morgan reached a personal best of 18:22.7 in the 5k.
 
"I'm excited about our roster this year," said Boyce. "We have talent and work ethic from top to bottom. The Big Wave is about setting a foundation for the season and building from there. Following Sophia's junior season, plus the return of senior Caelan Miller, who we weren't sure would come back. Along with the addition of freshman Keilah Wilkes as an underclassman with a high ceiling, this is a season where we can work towards moving up the Big West standings.
 
A year ago, UH placed eighth with 219 points and a total time of 1:55:08.50 in the Big West Championships. Saturday will mark the beginning of the climb for UH as they'll aim to make a statement in the opening meeting. All-time, the 'Bows have captured a total of six Big Wave Invitational championships (2001, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2018, 2021).