Central Michigan University Athletics
Chippewas All-In at Griak Invitational
9/25/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Cross Country
Andy Sneddon, CMUChippewas.com
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - A very good measuring stick for the Central Michigan cross country program.
The Chippewas will get a good look how they stack up against some stiff competition on Saturday at the 30th annual Roy Griak Invitational, hosted by Minnesota, on Les Bolstad Golf Course in Falcon Heights, Minn.
The Chippewas will have their full complement of top-line runners at the Griak, where they will face strong fields in both the men's and the women's races.
"It's the first weekend where we're going to see high-level talent," CMU coach Matt Kaczor said. "First weekend that you can go to a meet and try to gain some national points."
The more ranked teams from outside the Great Lakes Region that the Chippewas finish ahead of, the better, as they earn national-ranking points in each case.
"The women have a harder task than the men," Kaczor said. "There are more teams on the women's side than the men's side that are receiving national votes.
"I don't want to say the men have an easier task, but for the women to finish top 10 they're going to have to do things just right. Things are going to have to fall into place."
The CMU women are ranked 12th in the Great Lakes region, the men 13th. The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association ranks 15 teams - both men and women - in nine regions across the country.
The 27-team women's field includes 17 teams that are regionally ranked, while 12 of the 24 teams in the men's field are regionally ranked.
The CMU women will have their full lineup for the first time this season, including their top four: Kirsten Olling, Megan O'Neill, Breanne Lesner and Kelly Schubert. Joining that quartet are Samantha Allmacher, Esther Bell, Jamie Madrigal, Katie Weiler and Hannah Davis.
The top five runners from each team count toward the team total.
"I'd like the see a spread of a minute between our one and five (runners)," Kaczor said.
On the men's side, Kaczor's lineup comprises Nate Ghena, Joseph Emmanuel, Silas Dekalita, Mark Beckman, Luke Anderson, Spencer Nousain, Monte Scott, Casey Voisin and Ben Yagiela.
Kaczor said he fully expects Ghena, Dekalita and Emmanuel to lead the Chippewa pack.
"What we're trying to see is how close we can get the next three (runners) to those guys," he said. "We're trying to see if this is going to be our MAC squad or if there are going to be pieces moving in and out."
Players Mentioned
