Bulldog Cross Country Teams Return To Action In 24th Annual Spartan Invite
Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University men's and
women's cross country teams returned to action on Friday (Sept. 13)
as the Bulldogs took part in the prestigious Michigan State Spartan
Invitational held in East Lansing, Mich.
The 24th annual event is typically one of the largest in the
region and features teams from all levels of competition in a
non-team scoring format. It hosted nearly 6,500 athletes
ranging from college to middle school.
In the men's competition, among non-NCAA Division I schools, the
Bulldogs were led by David
Silversmith, who took 39th overall in the 8K event in
a time of 25:45. He was followed by teammate Brandon
Cushman in 42nd place at 25:47.
Spencer
Gerber was 44th overall for the Bulldogs in a time of
25:49, Alex
Bladecki came in 45th (25:50) and Andrew
Harper was 66th (26:16) for the Bulldogs. Six
other FSU runners also competed in the men's competition.
On the women's side, the Bulldogs were paced by senior
Samantha Johnson, who finished fourth overall
among the non-Division I schools in a time of 21:32. Next up was
junior Breeann Ovokaitys in 33rd place (22:51)
with freshman Alyssa Cummings 49th (23:07),
freshman Jessica Delaney 50th (23:09) and freshman
Samantha Humphrey 80th (23:43) in the upper half
of the pack for the Bulldogs.
A total of 14 Bulldog runners competed on the Forest Akers East
Course in the 257-runner women's field.
The Bulldogs are back in action on Oct. 4 at the Lansing CC Invite
before heading to the Greater Louisville Classic on Oct. 5 in
Louisville, Ky.
The Ferris State men's and women's cross country teams are guided
by former Bulldog standout and current sixth-year head coach
Steve Picucci. The Bulldog women are ranked 15th
nationally in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches
Association (USTFCCCA) Division II Preseason National Rankings
along with third in the Midwest Region while the men's team is
listed sixth in the regional rankings and 25th in the country.