Oct. 22, 2005

ISHPEMING - The Lake Superior State men's cross country team placed seventh among 11 teams, while the Laker women's squad was eighth among 13 teams at the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships held Saturday at the hilly Al Quaal Course in Ishpeming.

"Both the women's and men's teams ran well," LSSU coach Steve Eles said. "They followed the race plan and executed well. The men raced without Charles Johnson, who was unable to compete. Ben Tarbutton fell on a downhill section and hurt his shoulder, and Ross Malatinsky tore his groin. Many of the men stepped up and ran exceptional races."

According to Eles, the medical tent at the GLIAC meet looked like a war zone.

"The course was a true cross country course held at the Al Qual ski trails with many tough hills," he said. "It rained all night Friday and the rain continued Saturday throughout the races. The trails were in rough condition, and several athletes from each team had a difficult time negotiating the course. There was lots of blood in the medical tent after the race. We were pleased with how we did and that we escaped with only one serious injury."

LSSU's top runners on the men's squad were junior Scott Hosie, who was 33rd in 28:06.1 and sophomore Chris Olds, who was 34th in 28:06.2. Senior Brooke Brenner placed 33rd in 25:22.6 to lead the Laker women, while sophomore Mandi DeBlock was 44th in 25:40.4.

"The ladies team placed eighth, which was the same place the team came in last year," Eles said. "We lost four of our top seven to graduation, so the ladies deserve a lot of credit this year. Brooke Brenner had the highest finish of any woman in school history.

"We lose one woman to graduation this year, and we do not lose any men. With a good recruiting class this season, Laker cross country could reach a new level next season. I am excited to be a part of this team and what they can accomplish in the future."

LSSU men's results 33. Scott Hosie, 28:06.1; 34. Chris Olds, 28:06.2; 52. Ben Tarbutton, 28:48.5; 60. Tom Thornton, 29:06; 62. Emory Nelkie, 29:13.5; 75. Matt Merian, 29:58.1; 80. Luke Allen, 30:03.4; 81. Ross Malatinsky, 30:08.7; 89. Mike Boni, 30:29.2; 93. Evan Williams, 30:31.6; 122. Jason Ferguson, 32:36.4

LSSU women's results 33. Brooke Brenner, 25:22.6; 44. Mandi DeBlock, 25:40.4; 64. Stephanie Riedel, 26:26.7; 79. Christina Etapa, 26:53; 86. Charlotte Folkersma, 27:10.2; 88. Michelle Ballance, 27:14.4; 114. Jade Szubelak, 28:29.8; 116. Kathryn Harriger, 28:38.3; 132. Kate Baker, 29:35.2; 139. Connie Beausejour, 30:45.4