This Fall's Ray Helsing Bulldog Cross Country Invitational Called Off

Big Rapids, Mich. - Ferris State University has announced this fall's Ray Helsing Bulldog Cross Country Invitational will not take place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The collegiate & high school event, which was set to be held on Sept. 12 at FSU's Katke Golf Course, will not take place for the first time since 1976. Earlier this week, the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Council of Presidents and Chancellors voted unanimously to suspend all sports competition until Jan. 1, 2021, which impacted the Bulldog cross country programs.

Last year (2019) marked the 44th-straight (45th overall) running of the Bulldog Invitational and either a men's or women's collegiate event had previously been held each year since 1976.

In addition to Ferris State, a number of conference and regional teams traditionally have taken part in the collegiate races in addition to unattached competitors. Several local high school teams are also typically part of the prep races.

The Ray Helsing Bulldog Invitational was renamed in 2010 in honor of former coach Ray Helsing, who passed away in 2014. He guided the Bulldog cross country along with track and field programs from 1968-82. Helsing was inducted into the Bulldog Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001 and tutored more All-Americans than any coach in FSU history. He helped produce 20 All-Americans in cross country and track from 1968-82 and was best known for founding and coaching Ferris cross country, leading his teams to a 77-17 dual meet mark and four Great Lakes Conference titles.

The event is currently planning to return in 2021.