Nicole Bush Captures Spartan Invitational Title

Sept. 14, 2007

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State cross country team hosted the Spartan Invitational on Friday afternoon from the Forest Akers East Golf Course. The women's team posted the day's top five finishers in their race. The men's team also had a strong day by placing five runners in the top ten.

Nicole Bush led the Spartans with a time of 20:39 to pace the women runners in the 6k race. Last year's winner, Alissa McKaig, finished second for MSU at 20:57. Rounding out the top five spots were Lisa Senakiewich (21:32), Sarah Price (21:39) and Katie Kelly (21:50).

"It feels good to be out there running well," said Bush after the win. "I did some good training this summer and it is fun to see what I am capable of."

Nate Peck took top honors for Grand Valley State in the men's race with a time of 24:43, followed by his teammate James Gale at 25:11. Patrick Grosskopf was the top Spartan finisher, placing third overall, at 25:17. Max Goldak, who won the Jeff Drenth Memorial two weeks ago, came in fifth at 25:21.

"Heading into the season we knew (the women) had a chance to be pretty good, and the great thing is that right now we have good depth," said Director of Cross Country Walt Drenth. "We have some freshmen and young people that have stepped up, and we knew our front four were really solid."

"With the guys, I thought we had some pretty good runs," continued Drenth. "We had a great practice on Tuesday. Pat Grosskopf and Max Goldak did a fantastic job at competing."

Over 3,600 runners competed in the college, high school, junior varsity and middle school races.

The Michigan State cross country team next races on Sept. 29 at the Roy Griak Invitational in Minneapolis, Minn.

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Director of Cross Country Walt DrenthSenior Nicole BushJunior Alissa McKaig

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Nicole Bush

Max Goldak

Patrick Grosskopf

Katie Kelly

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Sarah Price

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