Oct. 17, 2003

MARQUETTE - Junior Anthony Pavicic placed second, senior Jeff Thuss fourth, and junior Amy Busfield 14th to lead the Lake Superior State men's and women's cross country teams at the Upper Peninsula Championships Friday. Former Laker Aaron Litzner of St. Ignace ran unattached and was the top overall male finisher in 15:22.

"Anthony and Jeff looked strong," LSSU coach Drew Ludtke said. "They went out with a lead and held their position the entire race. Richard Stein is showing some promise as he held off a lot of Michigan Tech runners for an eighth-place finish. We are looking to get stronger in the last few races. Traditionally we have fared well at the end of the year. It always comes down to how much they want it."

The Lakers compete in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships on Oct. 25 at Ferris State.

Men's team standings: 1. Lake Superior State 33; 2. Michigan Tech 35; 3. Northern Michigan 74.

Top overall finisher: Aaron Litzner (Open, formerly LSSU), 15:22. Former Laker Steve Eles was third in 15:49.

LSSU men's finishes: 2. Anthony Pavicic, 15:47; 4. Jeff Thuss, 15:54; 2. 8. Richard Stein, 16:14; 15. Justin Gretzinger, 16:39; 17. Dave Partyka, 16:52; 18. Ross Malatinsky, 16:54; 21. Matt Fleming, 17:04; 23. Matt Merian, 17:10.

Women's team standings: 1. Northern Michigan 26; 2. Michigan Tech 47; 3. Lake Superior State 85.

Top overall finisher: Jennie Lahr (NMU), 10:25.19.

LSSU women's finishes: 13. Amy Busfield, 11:15.46; 15. Jen Buerger, 11:17.33; 31. Brooke Brenner, 12:03; 33. Jody Sauer, 12:15; 36. Jenny Klausing, 12:27; 37. Christina Etapa, 12:28; 44. Kate Baker, 13:25.

The course was a 1K loop with the women running three times and the men running it five times. Ludtke described the course as spectator-friendly, but not runner-friendly.