WSU cross-country team takes top two spots in Invitational
WSU cross country team prepares for the Washington Invitational at Jefferson Park Golf Course in Seattle Oct. 1
September 19, 2016
The WSU cross-country men’s team won the Sundodger Invitational Championship for the third-straight year while the women’s team took second place this past weekend in Seattle.
The Cougar men beat No. 8 University of Washington as well as Seattle University, Fresno State and Portland State. The men scored 24 points (lowest score win), beating second-place Washington by 16 points.
Junior Michael Williams led the team, finishing as a runner-up for the second-straight year with a time of 23 minutes and 41.4 seconds on the 8,000-meter course. Finishing behind Williams in fourth place was senior John Whelan, who ran unattached. A string of six Cougars finished from fifth to 10th.
“The men ran a very smart, controlled race,” said WSU cross-country director Wayne Phipps. “We were able to run a lot quicker than last year with a lot less effort, so it was exactly as we had hoped and planned.”
The men’s next race will be Oct. 1 at the Washington Invitational at Jefferson Park Golf Course in Seattle.
The women’s team didn’t take home the title but they still had a decent showing, coming in second overall behind No. 11 University of Washington. The Cougar women beat Hawaii, Seattle U, Fresno State and Portland State with a score of 67.
Junior Devon Bortfeld led the team in 12th overall in the 6,000-meter race with a time of 21:11.2. Right behind her was senior Morgan Willson who finished 13th with a time of 21:31.5. Freshmen Morgan Lash and Melissa Hruska had strong showings, finishing 18th and 19th respectively.
Phipps said he was pleased with the ladies performance and is looking forward to what this team can accomplish.
“Coming off our highest volume week of the year, Devon and Morgan Willson did a fantastic job of leading a very young team,” Phipps said. “Freshmen Morgan Lash and Melissa Hruska were great in their very first 6k. This team has a very bright future.”
The women will also be competing in the Washington Invitational on Oct. 1. Results can be found at wsucougars.com for both men and women at the conclusion of the event.
