BOONE, N.C. -- Appalachian State men's cross country will return to action Friday in their final home meet of the 2009 season, when they play host to the Blue Ridge Open at the Don Kennedy Trail at State Farm.

The Mountaineers enter Friday's meet ranked 11th in the latest USTFCCA Southeast regional poll on the strength of an impressive 13th place finish at the Paul Short Run in Bethlehem, Pa. October 2. Senior Phil Mitchell paced the Apps at Paul Short, finishing 14th overall out of 386 runners and establishing a new school record in the 8k. Sophomore Sean Soderman also turned in a strong performance, placing 54th overall with a new personal-best time of 24:38 on the 8k course.

With the SoCon Championships slated for October 31, Appalachian wil use this meet as a final tune-up before traveling to Elon at the end of the month in search of their fifth consecutive conference crown.

Friday's meet also marks the annual "Duel for the Little Mountain Jug" between Appalachian and Western Carolina. The jug, which is hand-crafted by ASU track alum Brad Dodson, is currently in the posession of the Mountaineers who have taken 10 of 12 head-to-head meetings between the two teams.

Appalachian head coach Mike Curcio expects to see a motivated Western Carolina team Friday.

"We know those guys will come in pumped up," Curcio said. "We're expecting a great battle from the guys from Western Carolina."

The Blue Ridge Open is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. Friday.

Stay logged on to GoASU.com for results from the Blue Ridge Open and all the latest in Appalchian Athletics.