by John Cusick
The Colorado Mesa Mavericks men’s and women’s cross country teams traveled to Minneapolis, Minn. this past weekend and participated in the annual Roy Griak Invitational.
“This was a great experience for our squads. With over 400 athletes in each race, a challenging course and messy conditions, this was a chance for everyone to soak in the experience of the Roy Griak Invite,” Coach Matt Canterbury said.
The men finished twelfth Saturday morning behind RMAC opponents, Metro State (eighth) and Black Hills State (third).
Senior Danny Vavrik led the Mavericks through the eight kilometer course eventually finishing in 35 place with a time of 27:09. Behind him was junior Blake Graf who finished 42 only 11 seconds behind Vavrik with a time of 27:20.
“Danny Vavrik and Blake Graf continued their impressive seasons,” Canterbury said.
Senior Zak Kennison was 91 with a time of 27:56 while sophomore Mako Watanabe finished 110 in a time of 28:06. Rounding out scoring for the Mavericks was senior Seth Knighton who finished 113 with a time 28:10.
Also finishing for the Mavericks were senior Dominic Brevig (163, 28:45) and freshman Luke Spitz (204, 29:05).
The women finished twentieth and finished behind RMAC opponents, Black Hills State (fifteenth), Colorado Christian (twelfth), and UCCS (fourth).
They were led by senior Alexia Chapman who finished 34 and finished the six kilometer course in 24:08.
“Lexi Chapman, our former mid-distance specialist, surprised us with with a top 40 finish,” Canterbury added.
Right behind her was junior Lauren Lipski who was 37 and ran a time of 24:11. Third for the Mavericks was freshman Ashlyn Brent who was 154 and finished in 26:00. Sophomore Melissa Anderson was just after her coming in 158 with a time of 26:02. Finishing out scoring for the Mavericks was freshman Maya Wilson who was 161 and finished in 26:03.
Freshman Callie Trautner (207, 26:46) and senior Reanna Jereb (285, 28:09) also finished for the Mavericks.
“We wanted to race in a tough environment. Griak was especially competitive this year. We want to show up to Regionals with the mindset that we can run with anyone. This race will help with that. Hopefully this experience will normalize the Regional meet for us in November.”
The Mavericks will head to Hays, Kan. for the Fort Hays State Open on Oct. 8.
