Golden Grizzly Open Men's Results

The UDM men's cross country team opened the 2010 season on Saturday as the Titans traveled to Rochester Hills for the Golden Grizzly Open. 

While it was the 10th straight year the race was run on Oakland's campus, the 6k course was modified a bit to make it tougher and that combined with an unseasonable cool and windy September morning made for an exciting season opener.

“We are off to a great start,” said head coach Guy Murray, “The training has gone very well since we have been back to campus.”

Detroit ran seven harriers in the non-team scoring meet with junior Bob Radlich (Cheektowaga, NY/Cleveland Hill) leading the way with an 11th-place finish in 19:55, more than a 30-second improvement from his 20:31 run at Oakland last year.

“Bob has put in his miles and took care of a nagging injury problem and is really ready to make a big contribution this year,” said Murray. “Today, he was over 30 seconds faster on a course that was a bit tougher this year.”

A pair of freshmen were next as Martin Nelkie (West Branch, MI/Ogemaw Heights) was just behind Radlich taking 12th in 19:56, while Sam Felton (St. Joseph, MI/St. Joseph) earned 17th in 20:20.

“A good opener for the rookies and they are both running about where we hoped they would be and seem ready to contribute this year,” added Murray.

Junior Derek Hoerman (Canton, MI/Canton) posted a time of 20:56 for 27th, and junior Erik Westbrook (Fremont, MI/Fremont) came in 39th after a run of 21:34. Cross country newcomer Chris Smalley (Gladwin, MI/Gladwin) finished in 21:53, good for 45th, while senior Kevin Wozniak (Dearborn, MI/Edsel Ford), who returned to action after missing the season last year due to an injury, took 53rd in 22:21.

Detroit will be back in action next week when the Titans host the 24th Annual Running Fit-Detroit Titan Invitational at Cass Benton Park in Northville. The event will start at 9:30 a.m., with a pair of open races, followed by a middle school and the famous Tommy Titan Future Legend Kid's Race. The collegiate races are scheduled to start at 11:15 a.m., with the women's 5k going off first. 

For more information on the Running Fit-Detroit Titan Invitational, including course map, directions and open race registration, click here.