University of Texas Arlington
Roy Griak Invitational
XC: Griak provides learning experience for Mavericks
9/27/2014 12:00:00 AM | Cross Country
ST. PAUL, Minn. - As expected, the UT Arlington men's and women's cross country teams gained valuable experience Saturday by competing against top-flight competition at the prestigious Roy Griak Invitational hosted by the University of Minnesota.
While the teams did not finish as high as they desired (the Maverick men took 23rd and the women did not have enough finishers to place as a team), it proved to be a good test, both mentally and physically, for the squads as they look forward to the Pre Nationals and South Central Regional meets.
"We let the weather, the course and the competition affect us today," UTA coach John Sauerhage said. "But we will learn from this, stay on course and have a successful season. We are disappointed right now, but we will bounce back. This group is way too talented to let this meet define us."
Both Maverick teams were plagued by unfortunate injuries to several top runners, as Emil Blomberg and Virgilio Martinez became over heated, while Hannah Nilsson suffered a calf injury and Ashly Wright was also unable to finish.
Craig Lautenslager was the top finisher for the men, as he navigated the 8k layout in 25:58.1. His time was good for the 53rd position in the 301-runner field.
Behind Lautenslager, a trio of Mavericks topped the 27-minute mark to finish in the upper half of the field. Eric Ojeda placed 107th (26:33.3), Michael Guerrero landed in 130th (26:49.4) and Ryan Tilotta snagged 136th (26:56.3).
Grant Copeland was the final UTA scorer, as he finished 165th in 27:12.6. Robert Gribble came in 257th with a clocking of 28:58.2.
On the women's side, a pair of Mavs finished among the top half of the 390 entrants. Katelyn Hayward was the pace setter for UTA, placing 103rd in 23:05.7. Hayward's classmate, Gabriela Alfonzo, finished 117th (23:12.8).
UTA's other finishers were Tori Shelton, who placed 314th (25:33.3), and Tamerah Gorham, who came in 342nd (26:35.4).
The Maverick men and women will next be in action at the Pre National Meet in Terre Haute, Ind., on Saturday, Oct. 18.
