Oct. 3, 2004

CHICAGO - Seven Laker runners placed in the top 50 to pace the Lake Superior State men's cross country team to a fourth-place finish in the Maroon Division of the 32nd annual Sean Earl Loyola Lakefront Invitational held Saturday.

The LSSU women's team, led by freshman Meghan Juuti in 17th place among 381 runners, was 11th in the Maroon Division.

Colin Vohlken placed 16th in 26:16 to post the Lakers' top individual men's finish. Tom Thornton was 21st in 26:25, while Ben Tarbutton was 28th in 26:32. Rounding out the top five for LSSU were Emory Nelkie, who was 35th in 26:47, and Chris Olds, who was 42nd in 26:58. The men's field included 313 runners.

Juuti clocked a 19:09, while Amy Busfield was 36th in 19:33 and Jen Buerger was 45th in 19:49 for the Laker women.

Other LSSU finishers: (men) 46. Richard Stein, 27:05; 49. Anthony Pavicic, 27:10; 88. Dave Partyka, 27:42; 99. Ross Malatinsky, 27:53; 107. Matt Merian, 28:01; 140. Scott Hosie, 28:34; (women) 89. Kristin Carson, 20:36; 112. Michelle Balance, 20:53; 131. Christina Etapa, 21:10; 156. Meggie Lang, 21:26; 248. Dale Burnham, 22:32.