Michigan State University
Pre-NCAA Meet
MSU Cross Country Runs Well At Pre-National Meet
10/14/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Cross Country
Oct. 14, 2006
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -
Complete Results
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The Michigan State men's and women's cross country teams participated at the Pre-NCAA meet, hosted by Indiana State, on Oct. 14, in Terre Haute, Ind. In fields of 36, the Spartan men finished 12th, while the women placed sixth. For the fourth race in a row, Stephan Shay paced the men, while Alissa McKaig led the women. A total of 45 of the top 60 teams in the nation participated in the meet.
The Spartan men collected 392 points, with Shay turning in the top time, finishing 16th (24:03). It was Shay's third top-20 finish of the season.
Adam Sprangel crossed the finish line next, placing 69th (24:40), followed by Jim Pancoast at 91st (24:50). Nick Kastefaras (104th, 24:54) and Matt Bartlebaugh (112nd, 24:57) rounded out Michigan State's top five. MSU entered the Pre-National meet ranked No. 7 in the Great Lakes Region.
"The men have made progress over the past three weeks, since their last competition" said Walt Drenth, the MSU director of cross country and track and field. "They were solid through 6000 meters, but trailed off a little at the end. We have learned a lot and are continuing to improve. The team is getting closer to our goals, which will give them a chance to make the national meet. We know they have a lot more to give and we're excited to see what they can do in the future."
The Spartan women tallied 255 points, and earned their fourth top-10 finish in as many raced this season. Individually, McKaig posted her fourth top-10 finish of the year, placing sixth (20:29).
Michelle Rafferty and Nicole Bush each posted top-25 times, with Rafferty finishing 21st (20:40) and Bush placing 24th (20:47). Katie Kelly (94th, 21:40) and Sarah Price (110th, 21:45) were the Spartan's fourth and fifth finishers, respectively.
"The women have continued to make progress, and have put themselves in position to do well in the Big Ten and on a national level," said Drenth. "They have beaten several ranked teams, and have put themselves in position to do some damage as a team."
Players Mentioned
