Huskies Race at Midwest Collegiate Open

KENOSHA, Wis. — Michigan Tech officially opened its 2013 cross country season today by competing in the UW-Parkside Midwest Collegiate Open at the Dannehl National Cross Country Course. The men finished sixth of 15 teams while the women finished ninth of 16 squads.

"I'm pretty happy with how we opened our sesaon," said head coach Joe Haggenmiller. "Both the men and women ran well from top to bottom, and I think we're right where we want to be at this point in our season."

Kyle Hanson was the top male finisher for the Huskies on the eight-kilometer course. The sophomore ran a 25:51 and was 17th overall (12th among Division II athletes). Junior Eric Parsell was 35th in a time of 26:35. Sean Pengelly was just three seconds back at 26:38. A trio of Huskies—Evan Krzyske, Bradon Kampstra and Jason Saliga—finished in a pack between 26:44 and 26:47.

The women were paced by Sarah Daniels and her time of 19:16 on a 5K course. She was the 30th collegiate female across the line. Deedra Irwin was just nine seconds back at 19:25. Sonja Hedbloom, a former swimmer who was racing her first-ever cross country event, was a third Husky under 20 minutes. She was 60th in 19:58. Fellow freshman Carolyn Lucca ran a 20:04 while Marissa Yovetich rounded out the team score with a 70th place in 20:13.

"It's really exciting to have three women breaking 20 minutes—especially Sonja. And with Saliga on the men's side, we saw some great things from our freshmen.

"This is definitely something we can build on as the season progresses."

Michigan Tech will return home next weekend to host the Pre-GLIAC Meet Saturday (Sept. 21).