By Jackie DeMolee, UND Media Relations

GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- Ron Pynn was an educator at UND for 29 years in political science, but he didn't only shape the minds of students in the classroom. He has projected his love for track and field and cross country onto the programs at UND. Pynn has been a long time supporter of cross country and track and field.

The Ron Pynn Classic was established in 2002 to honor Pynn for his many contributions to the teams including travelling with the teams for support, working events and financially supporting the program. He said that he's always had a passion for the sport and the athletes involved, "It [running] takes a special brand of discipline. What drives them [athletes] to run drives them to succeed in other areas of their life." This is only one of the many reasons he feels so passionate about the program at UND.

"It's been exciting each and every year," said Mike Grandall, the men's cross country coach. "It's great to have him back."

Pynn uses the Classic as an opportunity to visit the university and friends. "I think the world of the coaches," he said. "The way they treat the athletes, but not just as UND athletes, but students too." Pynn currently resides in Berlington, Vt., but makes the trek back to UND for the Classic.

The Division I transition has changed the Classic a little, but it doesn't change the meaning behind the name of the event or how important the event is to the head coaches of the men's and women's cross country teams and Pynn.

The Ron Pynn Classic is the first meet of the season, and lone home meet for the Sioux this season. The women hope to defend their first place finish from last year. The double duel will include the University of North Florida and South Dakota State University.

Feet hit the ground at 9:15 a.m. at Ray Richards Golf Course tomorrow.