It will be the young guns versus the mavericks when the Carroll College cross country team hosts the Carroll Open Saturday at 9:30 a.m.

The Saints have invited not only some of the top distance runners in the region, but also local athletes to compete in the

5-kilometer race which serves as their season opener.

"It'll be fun to see how a fast old guy will do against some young guys," said Saints head coach Bill Ballinger. "You can't count those guys out. Some of them are former collegiate runners that are pretty good in their own right."

How about the gals? Two seven-woman teams from local clubs are already signed up for the meet.

"I think it will be fun to challenge the collegiate runners in a way that supports them as well," said Michele Bazzanella. "I went to Carroll and cross country wasn't available."

The 35-year-old said she ran high school cross country and kept up all through college. She would've been happy to run for the Saints during those collegiate days, but she'll have to settle for facing off with the squad.

Ballinger said that other top-notch male runners, like former collegiate and Governor's Cup marathon winner Patrick Judge will be competing. As president of the Vigilante Track Club, he's expected to bring some heavy competition with him.

They'll, of course, try their best to keep up with the top Saints.

Favored to lead the men's team is freshman Robbie Brooks, a two-time Class AA all-state runner from Missoula Sentinel.

Ballinger said that Brooks has struggled a little bit in the transition to collegiate running and this has been a big month for him.

However, with a short, flat course (most men's races cover 8k) it could be a time for Brooks to shine.

He'll likely lead Taylor Gregory, Andy Burns and T.J. Murgel on the squad.

Their toughest competition will likely be a UGF team with a lot of depth. Flathead Valley Community College, as well as Blackfeet Community College are both planning on attending. The University of Montana's cross country team was also extended an invitation.

On the women's side, Jade Johnstone is expected to be a leader this year again. Hanna Bauthues has improved, but after that, "It's kind of wide open. It's a very young women's team," Ballinger said.

This meet will help the Saints set their base for the rest of the season. After UM canceled their home meet to start the season, the Saints had to add another race to their list in October.

"We're rusty because we haven't raced since last November," Ballinger said. "Our returners are all very young."

Assistant Sports Editor

Jeff Windmueller: 447-4065 or jeff.windmueller@helenair.com