ELON, N.C. – Every Monday, Phoenix fans can get a look at the week ahead with our “Elon Athletics Weekly Update” feature when we will preview all the week’s upcoming events for our sports teams. “Follow us” on Twitter at @elonphoenix and @elonscores, “Like” Elon Phoenix on Facebook and continue to check elonphoenix.com to stay current on all things Elon Athletics.
Cross Country
Elon Opener, Thursday, Sept. 1, at 6 p.m., Elon Cross Country Course
• The Phoenix cross country programs begin their 2016 season with the first of two home meets, the Elon Opener, on Thursday, Sept. 1. The Phoenix will be one of seven teams racing at the meet including in-state Division I rivals North Carolina, UNCG and High Point.
• On the women’s side, the Phoenix returns four of its top seven runners from last season, including senior Kimberly Johansen. Johansen became only the second female runner in school history to earn All-Region accolades, while Elon achieved its highest finish ever at the NCAA Southeast Regional Championships with a seventh-place standing.
• The Phoenix men harriers return the defending Colonial Athletic Association individual champion, Nick Ciolkowski for his sophomore season. The Fairport, N.Y., native became the first male runner in league history to claim both the Men’s Cross Country Runner and Rookie of the Year accolades.
Football
Inside the Huddle Luncheon, Monday, Aug. 29, at noon, Best Western Plus
Elon Football Live Radio Show, Thursday, Sept. 1, at 7 p.m., The Fat Frogg (WSML 104.5 FM/1200 AM)
Elon vs. Gardner-Webb, Saturday, Sept. 3, at 3:30 p.m., Rhodes Stadium (American Sports Network)
• Elon will begin its 2016 season at home for the first time since 2009 as the maroon and gold welcomes the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs to Rhodes Stadium for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff. The game will be broadcast on the American Sports Network (check your local listings for specific channels).
• The Phoenix played a thriller at Gardner-Webb last season, claiming a 21-13 victory in triple overtime. That win improved Elon to 21-9 all-time against the Runnin’ Bulldogs.
• The Phoenix returns nine starters on the offensive side of the ball and four on the defensive side. The team welcomes back 35 total letterwinners. Head coach Rich Skrosky begins his third season at the helm of the Elon program.
Men’s Soccer (1-1)
Elon/High Point Classic
Elon vs. St. Bonaventure, Friday, Sept. 2, at 7 p.m., Rudd Field
Elon vs. Detroit Mercy, Sunday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m., Rudd Field
• The Elon men’s soccer program hosts its first tournament since 2010 with the Elon/High Point Classic this weekend. Elon will face both St. Bonaventure and Detroit Mercy for the first time ever on the soccer pitch on Friday and Sunday, respectively.
• The Phoenix went 1-1 in its opening weekend at the John Rennie Nike Invitational. Elon opened the season with a 4-1 victory over UNC Asheville, but fell to San Diego, 2-1, in its second contest.
• The Phoenix hosts St. Bonaventure for its home opener on Friday at 7 p.m. The Phoenix posted a record of 7-1 at the home confines at Rudd Field in 2015 and led the CAA in fan attendance with its average of 1,155 fans per match.
Volleyball (1-1)
Elon at North Carolina A&T, Tuesday, Aug. 30, at 7 p.m., Greensboro, N.C.
Tussle in the Triad
Elon vs. Youngstown State, Friday, Sept. 2, at 7 p.m., Alumni Gym
Elon vs. High Point, Saturday, Sept. 3, at 11 a.m., Alumni Gym
Elon at UNCG, Saturday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m., Greensboro, N.C.
• Elon opened the 2016 season over the weekend in the Charlotte Invitational, splitting its two matches. The Phoenix fell to Charlotte, 3-1, before claiming a thrilling 3-2 victory over Campbell.
• Sophomore Kam Terry led the maroon and gold with 31 kills and 20 digs on the weekend, while senior Kayla Agae tallied 18 kills and 21 digs. Both were named to the Charlotte Invitational All-Tournament Team.
• The Phoenix takes on local opponent North Carolina A&T on Tuesday and then tri-hosts the Tussle in the Triad with UNCG and High Point this weekend. The maroon and gold hosts Youngstown State on Friday and High Point on Saturday morning before closing out at UNCG on Saturday evening.
Women’s Soccer (1-3)
Elon at Coastal Carolina, Thursday, Sept. 1, at 6 p.m., Conway, S.C.
Elon at Western Carolina, Sunday, Sept. 4, at 2 p.m., Cullowhee, N.C.
• Elon will look to rebound after dropping matches against UNCG and No. 8 Clemson over the weekend.
• The Phoenix continues its four-match road swing this week with trips to Coastal Carolina and Western Carolina. Next week, Elon will travel to Charlotte on Thursday, Sept. 8, to wrap up the road trip