Laker Cross Country ran at the Husky Invitational on Friday afternoon, the final tune-up prior to the GLIAC Championships next weekend. While many of the team's top runners didn't compete, the Husky Invitational offered the chance to earn a spot on the 12-runner squad for GLIACs.

"It's a very important opportunity for some of our athletes that don't run in the varsity meets have another chance to run before GLIACs, where we take a larger roster," said Laker head coach Matt Stith. "I like what I saw."

Sam Scott led the Laker men's team in the 8K race with a time of 30:38.3. Stith was happy with the freshman's work. He said, "It's great to see him round back into form and having this opportunity yesterday to shake off the dust and step up and race well in GLIACs next week. We're really happy to see that."

Eli Hills finished second on the Laker men's team at 32:17.4, a solid time for the freshman. Sophomore Elijah Sprague, from Rudyard, MI, finished in 33:32.7, while Gary Haight crossed the line in 34:55.5.

Stith said, "We're very pleased with the effort that was put forth. It's an extremely challenging course, with the last kilometer being fully uphill. It's not a place you go to run your very fastest time."

The women's team ran well in its typical pack for the 6K race. One of the race's highlights was Kara Mosher, the senior running in her final cross country race at Lake Superior State. She finished in 32:37.1. Stith praised the senior for her work and commitment to the team.

"It was her final race as a Lake State Laker. She's a fifth year senior with eligibility just remaining in cross country this year. Really, there was no reason Kara had to come back, but she just wanted to. She fought through multiple injuries just to keep competing with her team and representing her university. That's the kind of dedication and team spirit that we want to highlight in our program, and she's a great example of that."

Nora Smoes posted a time of 28:37.1, the best on the team Friday. Jessa Davis and Sarah Nimtz each finished less than a minute later, posting solid times. Michaela Kurth, Grace Kreps and Mosher finished within a minute of each other as well. The Lakers have run well in a pack throughout the season.

Stith said, "The buy-in and the effort level from the athletes, especially with so many new athletes, has been really outstanding. They're enthusiastic. They're fired up, and that makes the coaches fired up. We're really excited about what's coming up this week for us."

Now the attention turns to next week's GLIAC Championships. The teams will head to Grand Rapids, MI for Saturday's event, with the NCAA Midwest Regional scheduled for the next weekend. Stith feels his team is ready.

"Can't wait. Looking forward to a good week of very directed training and then getting down to Grand Rapids to show what we've been working on."