Eastern Michigan Athletics
Friday, September 2
Shepherd, Mich.
11 a.m.
Eastern Michigan University
at
Jeff Drenth Memorial
Photo by: Steve King/KingStudios
Eagles Cross Country Opens 2022 Season Strong at Central Michigan
9/2/2022 6:05:00 PM | Men's XC, Women's XC
Men place first, women place second
SHEPHERD, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – The Eastern Michigan men's and women's cross country teams opened up their season with a first and second place finish, respectively, at the Jeff Drenth Memorial hosted by Central Michigan University Sept. 2. On the Chippewas' 5K course, the Eagles placed seven runners in the top ten.
"It was a solid day for us," said Director/Head Coach Sue Parks. "Today was all about getting back into the swing of racing and getting a starting point to build on. We know that we have a lot to work on but I'm pleased with the effort of both our men and women. It will be exciting to see how our team develops throughout the season."
"It was great to see the guys get out and race, a lot of new faces wearing the Eastern uniform was exciting," said Head Coach Mark Rinker. "We had a lot of positive races today, we are doing some different things in training and seeing where we are at. I was impressed by the freshman, they ran with confidence. We executed the race plan well so it was great to get the individual win with Vinny and the team win!"
The men's team was led by senior Baldvin Magnusson (Akureyri, Iceland-Hull University), who crossed the finish line first in 14:57.4, 10 seconds ahead of the second place finisher. Fellow senior and captain Eddie Zuercher (Rocky River, Ohio-Rocky River) joined Magnusson in the top five, placing fifth overall in 15:24.2. The men's newcomers also had strong performances, with freshmen Kian Wiles (Hull, England-St. Mary's College) and Sam Peterson (Charlevoix, Mich.-Charlevoix) placed fourth and seventh respectively.
On the women's side, senior Esme Davies (Lake District, England-Queen Elizabeth Grammar School) led the way for the Eagles, placing second in 18:13.3. Cross country newcomers junior Faith Rono (Eldoret, Kenya-Middle Tennessee State) (seventh), and senior Julia Pleskaczynska (Lublin, Poland-High School No. III them. Union of Lublin-Boise State University) (tenth) rounded out the Eagles' top ten finishers.
For updates on all things Eastern Michigan cross country and track and field, continue to check EMUEagles.com or follow the team on Instagram and Twitter, @EMUXC_TF, and Facebook, @EMUXCTF.
MEET NOTES
Men's Team Results
1. Eastern Michigan 29
2. Central Michigan 69
3. Michigan State 75
4. Hope 122
5. Alma 187
6. Grand Rapids CC 196
7. Cleary 202
EMU Individual Results
1. Baldvin Magnusson 14:57.4
4. Kian Wiles 15:16.3
5. Eddie Zuercher 15:24.2
7. Sam Peterson 15:35.8
11. Muaad Abdulaziz 15:47.9
12. Joey Furlong 15:49.4
14. Toby Gualter 15:55.1
23. Linus Vennemann 16:14.9
30. Josh Hill 16:27.2
Women's Team Results
1. Central Michigan 21
2. Eastern Michigan 43
3. Michigan State 70
4. Hope 104
5. Alma 166
6. Grand Rapids CC 169
EMU Individual Results
2. Esme Davies 18:13.3
7. Faith Rono 18:34.2
10. Julia Pleskaczynska 18:41.8
11. Sofia Ivanko 18:54.1
16. Tabatha Walford 19:12.0
26. Marta Moreno 19:41.8
28. Kaitlyn St. Bernard 19:47.6
37. Kiera Hansen 20:24.2
50. Elena Wheeler 21:03.0
63. Cara Weber 22:15.6
"It was a solid day for us," said Director/Head Coach Sue Parks. "Today was all about getting back into the swing of racing and getting a starting point to build on. We know that we have a lot to work on but I'm pleased with the effort of both our men and women. It will be exciting to see how our team develops throughout the season."
"It was great to see the guys get out and race, a lot of new faces wearing the Eastern uniform was exciting," said Head Coach Mark Rinker. "We had a lot of positive races today, we are doing some different things in training and seeing where we are at. I was impressed by the freshman, they ran with confidence. We executed the race plan well so it was great to get the individual win with Vinny and the team win!"
The men's team was led by senior Baldvin Magnusson (Akureyri, Iceland-Hull University), who crossed the finish line first in 14:57.4, 10 seconds ahead of the second place finisher. Fellow senior and captain Eddie Zuercher (Rocky River, Ohio-Rocky River) joined Magnusson in the top five, placing fifth overall in 15:24.2. The men's newcomers also had strong performances, with freshmen Kian Wiles (Hull, England-St. Mary's College) and Sam Peterson (Charlevoix, Mich.-Charlevoix) placed fourth and seventh respectively.
On the women's side, senior Esme Davies (Lake District, England-Queen Elizabeth Grammar School) led the way for the Eagles, placing second in 18:13.3. Cross country newcomers junior Faith Rono (Eldoret, Kenya-Middle Tennessee State) (seventh), and senior Julia Pleskaczynska (Lublin, Poland-High School No. III them. Union of Lublin-Boise State University) (tenth) rounded out the Eagles' top ten finishers.
For updates on all things Eastern Michigan cross country and track and field, continue to check EMUEagles.com or follow the team on Instagram and Twitter, @EMUXC_TF, and Facebook, @EMUXCTF.
MEET NOTES
Men's Team Results
1. Eastern Michigan 29
2. Central Michigan 69
3. Michigan State 75
4. Hope 122
5. Alma 187
6. Grand Rapids CC 196
7. Cleary 202
EMU Individual Results
1. Baldvin Magnusson 14:57.4
4. Kian Wiles 15:16.3
5. Eddie Zuercher 15:24.2
7. Sam Peterson 15:35.8
11. Muaad Abdulaziz 15:47.9
12. Joey Furlong 15:49.4
14. Toby Gualter 15:55.1
23. Linus Vennemann 16:14.9
30. Josh Hill 16:27.2
Women's Team Results
1. Central Michigan 21
2. Eastern Michigan 43
3. Michigan State 70
4. Hope 104
5. Alma 166
6. Grand Rapids CC 169
EMU Individual Results
2. Esme Davies 18:13.3
7. Faith Rono 18:34.2
10. Julia Pleskaczynska 18:41.8
11. Sofia Ivanko 18:54.1
16. Tabatha Walford 19:12.0
26. Marta Moreno 19:41.8
28. Kaitlyn St. Bernard 19:47.6
37. Kiera Hansen 20:24.2
50. Elena Wheeler 21:03.0
63. Cara Weber 22:15.6
Players Mentioned
/ Women's XC
/ Men's XC
/ Women's XC
/ Women's XC
/ Women's XC
/ Men's XC
/ Women's XC
/ Women's XC
/ Women's XC
/ Men's XC
/ Women's XC
/ Women's XC
/ Women's XC
/ Men's XC
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