Michigan State Cross Country Begins 2006 Campaign
9/1/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Cross Country
Sept. 1, 2006
MT. PLEASANT, Mich. - The Michigan State men's and women's cross country teams kicked off the 2006 season at the Jeff Drenth Memorial, hosted by Central Michigan, on Friday, Sept. 1. The women's team took top four finishes at the unscored three-team event, while the men's side saw eight runners finish in the top 15. Ferris State also competed in the event.
"This was a good race to asses our fitness level and where we are competitively," associate head coach Rita Arndt-Molis stated. "We got a good look at where people are in their training, and who we still need to develop."
Alissa McKaig (17:10), Michelle Rafferty (17:13), Caitlin Kelly (17:29) and Nicole Bush (17:52) turned in the top four times on the women's side. Sarah Price (18:02 - seventh) and Diane Hamilton (18:45 - 14th) also placed in the top 15.
On the men's side, Stephan Shay was the first to cross the finish line for MSU, taking second place with a time of 14:38. Jim Pancoast (15:02 - fifth), Dustin Voss (15:03 - sixth), Nick Katsefaras (15:06 - eighth) and Justin Zanotti (15:09 - 10th) all placed in the top 10 for the Green and White.
"No one was out there trying to hit personal bests," Arndt-Molis added. "Today was more getting out in a competitive environment for the first time, being patient and hitting the appropriate times, which is key."
Michigan State returns to action on Sept. 15, hosting its lone home event of the year, the Spartan Invitational, held at Forest Akers East Golf Course. The Spartan Invitational not only welcomes a number of college programs, but several high school and middle school teams as well.
"The Spartan Invitational has grown to be one of the bigger meets in the Midwest," director of cross country and track and field Walt Drenth said. "It allows us to show off Michigan State, our campus and our course. There are many departments from the university that come together to make this a truly special event."
Players Mentioned
