Cross Country Teams Race at Griak Invitational

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Michigan Tech cross country teams raced at the Roy Griak Invitational hosted by the University of MInnesota at Les Bolstad Golf Course today. The women's team finished 15th of 34 teams while the men were 19th of 44 teams in their respective Maroon II flights.

The Griak Invitational features dozens of collegiate teams from each NCAA division, NAIA teams, club squads and high school teams. Hundreds of unattached individuals also compete in the races.

The women's six-kilometer race featured 356 competitors. Deedra Irwin finished 43rd among collegiate runners with a time of 23:45. Sonja Hedblom took 92nd in 24:42 while Cassandra Bobart crossed the line seven seconds later in 102nd position. Carolyn Lucca (124th, 25:16) and Marissa Yovetich (129th, 25:22) rounded out Tech's top five.

Kyle Hanson strode to a 67th place showing in the men's eight-kilometer race. He completed the course in 26:51 to pace the Huskies. Bradon Kampstra (95th) and Eric Parsell (104th) finished within five seconds of each other in 27:08 and 27:13, respectively. Teammates Calvin Nitz (124th, 27:28) and Jason Saliga (127th, 27:30) were packed together as well.

"There's a lot of really good competition at this race," said head coach Joe Haggenmiller. "Everyone gave a good effort. Deedra and Kyle did a good job of setting the pace.

"This is a good measuring stick to see where were at. We were middle of the pack in both genders, and I think there's room for improvement that could see us into the top third of a field like this."

Michigan Tech will take a week off before returning to Kenosha, Wis., Oct. 12, for the Lucian Rosa Invite.