Men's Cross Country Makes Trip to Notre Dame

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Eastern Michigan University's men's cross country will return to action after a three-week hiatus when it heads to South Bend, Ind. for the 59th annual Notre Dame Invitational Friday, Oct. 3. The team will compete in the seeded Men's Blue Race, which features 24 teams, all of which are regionally ranked.

In addition to the strength of competition at the regional level, the field for Friday's race will also showcase 10 nationally-ranked programs. Brigham Young University tops the list in the No. 10 spot, followed by No. 15 New Mexico, No. 16 North Carolina State, No. 18 Tulsa, No. 19 Michigan, No. 20 Princeton, No. 22 Southern Utah, No. 23 Eastern Kentucky, No. 24 Florida State, and No. 25 Colorado State.

"It's always exciting to compete in the national-level competition at the Notre dame Invitational, and it will be the first time racing there for just about every team member," explained Head Coach John Goodridge. "The team has been adapting well to training and has been progressing smoothly."

Southern Utah's roster boasts the latest USTFCCCA National Athlete of the Week, Nate Jewes, who earned the honor after winning the Roy Griak Invitational on Sept. 27. Jewes finished in 24:46 ahead of a familiar name, Caleb Rhynard of Michigan State, who was bested by EMU's Willy Fink three weeks ago at the MSU Spartan Invitational, Sept. 12. Another runner to keep a watchful eye on is John Mascari of Indiana State, who was named the USTFCCCA National Athlete of the Week on Sept. 15.

Select members of the Green and White will kick off competition prior to the Blue Race at 3:30 p.m. with the five-mile Open Race. After the Women's Blue Race, the Eagles will take on their competition in the final race of the day for a five-mile run at 5 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

Willy Fink

Eastern Michigan Athletics