Posted: Sep 10, 2016
Michigan Tech Cross Country Finishes 7th at UW-Parkside Midwest Open
KENOSHA, Wis. – The Michigan Tech men's and women's cross country teams both placed seventh at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside Midwest Open Saturday. The men competed in a field of 12 teams while the women ran in a 13 team field in the first meet of the year for the Huskies.
"The women's team ran well, finishing in the middle of the pack with a lot of freshmen competing in the event today," Head Coach Joe Haggenmiller said. "I thought the team held its own against some tough NCAA Division I competition in Marquette, Wright State, etc.… The weather conditions were challenging with a steady light rain throughout the day. Emily Byrd for her first collegiate meet had a very good day with a top 25 finish. I think we have room to improve, but I thought there were a lot of positive things that we did today."
"On the men's side there were definitely some positives considering that we rested some of our heavy hitters this week," Haggenmiller added. "A lot of guys had an opportunity to compete today and it was exciting to see some of our younger runners have solid races. We have some room for improvement, but it's a good start for us for the season and good to get a lot of guys some experience in this first meet."
"On the men's side there were definitely some positives considering that we rested some of our heavy hitters this week," Haggenmiller added. "A lot of guys had an opportunity to compete today and it was exciting to see some of our younger runners have solid races. We have some room for improvement, but it's a good start for us for the season and good to get a lot of guys some experience in this first meet."
The Tech women were powered by Emily Byrd who covered the 5k course in 19:20.0, garnering her the No. 21 spot. Carly Huggins followed Byrd with a 37th place finish thanks to a time of 19:48.4. Emily Vigil (57th 20:16.3), Robyn Holmes (69th 20:48.3), Julia Manzano (76th 20:55.0), Robin Jackson (96th, 21:36.2), and Lily Craft (117th, 22:31.1) rounded out the field of competitors for the women.
As a team, the Huskies top five times added up to 1:41:08.1 which resulted in the seventh place finish. Marquette won the team championship with a cumulative time of 1:31:49.8.
Brendan Klynstra headlined Saturday's race for the men, crossing the line with a time of 27:03.1 which led to a 37th place finish. Corey Zeutzius had the second best time for Tech checking in at No. 43 with a time of 27:13.2 Nathan Carey trailed Zeutzius with a time of 27:17.5 and ended the day in 46th place. Marcus Shamberg checked in at No. 56 with a run of 27:29.0 and Simon Eddy was 78th with a time of 28:07.3. Gaspard Cuenot (80th, 28:10.6), Clayton Hubred (82nd 28:11.3), and Ryan Mattson (86th 28:15.0) rounded out the top eight for the Huskies.
Michigan Tech had a combined time of 2:16:56.1 in the 8k race which was calculated based on the team's top five runners. Marquette won the team championship on the men's side as well, turning in a combined time of 2:09:58.4.
Both Tech cross country teams will be back in action Saturday when they head to the St. Olaf Invitational in Northfield, Minn.