Cross country teams compete at 2005 MIAA Championships

The Olivet College men's and women's cross country teams finished in seventh-place today at the 2005 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Championships, which was hosted by Kalamazoo College and run on a course at the Pineview Golf Club in Three Rivers. Calvin College was first in both the men's and women's races.

Three freshmen paced the Olivet men's team. Leading the way was Justin Todd (Scotts/Climax Scotts) at 27:17.4, followed by Thomas Ray (Constantine) at 27:40.8 and James Greenfield (Edwardsburg) at 28:24.6. Following them were Derrick Bean (Quincy) at 28:45.6, freshman Robert Moss (Bellevue/Olivet) at 29:24.3, junior Jaysen Brandt (Sterling Heights/Henry Ford II) at 21:14.5 and senior Mauricio Palli (Bloomingdale, Ill./Glenbard Twp.) at 31:19.2.

In the women's race, senior Andrea Szokola (Marlette) was the top Olivet finisher with a time 24:12.1. Freshman Kayleigh Hamilton (Hudsonville) was next at 25:25.7. The next four Comets placed 42nd, 43rd, 44th and 45th. Sophomore Stephanie Pierce (Battle Creek/Harper Creek) led this group at 25:45.5, followed by senior Rachel Strelecki (Stanford/Standish-Sterling) at 25:45.7, freshman Tera Bean (Battle Creek/Harper Creek) at 25:57.5 and senior Stephanie Green (Leroy/Pine River) at 26:08.6. Freshman Jessica Woods (Climax/Climax-Scotts) completed the Olivet lineup at 27:15.1.

The Comets are idle until Saturday, Nov. 12, when they compete at the 2005 NCAA Great Lakes Regional. Wilmington (Ohio) College is the host school.