The Wildcat cross country team had a great competition at the Lake Superior Challenge this past Saturday.

The team placed second to Michigan Technological University Sept. 11 at the Lake Superior Invitational.  The Wildcats had a much closer race against their rivals this race than previous races this year, even with a few of their top racers missing, as Michigan Tech edged out the Wildcats 21-47. Northwood and Lake Superior State also competed in the the invitational.

“The women ran a great race.  We were missing two of our top six runners due to sickness and school related activities, but even with those few missing we still were closer this week to MTU than the [previous] week,” said head coach Jennifer Ryan.

All the runners did very well and improved on their times from last year.  Now the Wildcats are looking forward to the Roy Griak Invite is Saturday, Sept. 25th in Minnesota.  This is one of the biggest cross country competitions for the Wildcats.

“Many top teams from all over the U.S. will be there so it will give us a good idea of where we are against some top teams in the country,” said Ryan.

There will be over 20 teams at the 6k race that is going to be a big help for getting the girls prepared for regionals.

“There will be 20-25 teams competing in the division II race.  We are looking forward to seeing what the runners can do with the full team competing,” said Ryan.

The team will be racing in the Roy Griak Invitational in St. Paul, Minnesota at 10:45 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25.

—Laura Conway