Lakers Sweep NCAA Regional Championships

Second ranked men and women move on to the NCAA National Championships

Published by Tanner Mickey/GVSU SID on November 5th, 2016

EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- The Grand Valley State cross country teams both advanced to the NCAA National Championships in Saint Leo, Fla. on strong performances from both squads in the Midwest Regionals held in Evansville, Ind. The Laker men were able to win the first race of the day, posting 45 points as a team. GVSU's women scored just 43 points, defeating the next closest team, by an even 60 point margin.

On the men's side, the top placing runner was senior Chris May, who finished fourth with a time of 30:28.95. Following behind May, was sophomore Zach Panning in fifth place with a time of 30:29.15. Sophomore Kevin Black would round out the top ten for the Lakers in ninth with a time of 30:49.67. Senior Bryce Bradley came in at 30:58.66, a time good enough for 13th, while junior Trevor Sharnas followed in 14th with a time of 30:59.29. Junior Josh Steible would round out the top 20 in 20th place for GVSU with a time of 31:07.34. Freshman Alberto Gomez was the final runner to cross for the Lakers in 38th with a time of 31:46.23. 

The GVSU women were led by senior Kendra Foley in her final NCAA Regional Championship race with a third place finish and a time of 20:19.57. GLIAC Freshman of the Year Stacey Metzger followed Foley in sixth with a time of 20:57.34. Senior Amy Creutz wrapped up the top ten for the Lakers with an eighth place finish in 20:58.08. Junior Kelly Haubert followed Creutz in 12th place with a time of 21:09.07, while junior Rachel Bendewald came in 14th at 21:12.80. Freshman Jessica Gockley and sophomore Kaylie Rhynard placed 16th and 17th with times of 21:18.66 and 21:19.02, respectively.