Michigan State University
Roy Griak Invitational
Cross Country Competes At Roy Griak Invitational
9/23/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Cross Country
Sept. 23, 2006
FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. - Both Michigan State men's and women's cross country teams turned in top-10 finishes at the Roy Griak Invitational, hosted by Minnesota, on Sept. 23. The Spartan women placed fifth, while the men's team finished 10th.
The Michigan State women finished fifth out of 31 teams, with a team total of 150, behind a fourth-place individual performance by Alissa McKaig (21:18.10). McKaig has turned in the top time for MSU in each of its three races this season, capturing individual titles at the Jeff Drenth Memorial (Sept. 1) and at the Nike/Playmakers Spartan Invitational (Sept. 15).
Michelle Rafferty was the next Spartan to cross the finish line, placing 11th (21:25.05). Katie Kelly (37th, 22:15.15), Nicole Bush (41st, 22:24.30) and Sara Price (62nd, 22:42.80) rounded out MSU's top five. Winning the women's event was UC Santa Barbra with a score of 91.
"The women ran very well," Director of Cross Country and Track and Field Walt Drenth stated. "Alissa (McKaig) turned in another great race and Michelle (Rafferty) was able to keep her poise. She got behind in the pack early, and just kept passing people the entire race. It was a muddy course and we were patient and really made our move in the last seven minutes."
The men's squad finished 10th out of 34 teams, totaling 295 points. Stephan Shay led the way for the Spartans for the third consecutive race, placing 33rd (25:33.40). Also finishing in the top-50 was Justin Zanotti, registering a 40th-place finish (25:37.70). Adam Sprangel (57th, 25:52.10), Nick Katsefaras (89th, 26:10.95) and Dustin Voss (93rd, 26:14.10) also placed in MSU's top-five. Arizona won the team title, with a 142 total.
"Justin (Zanotti) has continued to improve each race and Nick (Katsefaras) and Adam (Sprangel) are stepping it up," Drenth said. The men had a good race, but I also think we can make progress."
Michigan State cross country returns to action Sept. 29 at the Notre Dame Invitational, in South Bend, Ind.
Players Mentioned
