YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — The Eastern Michigan University's men's and women's cross country teams will gear up for the 2010 EMU Fall Classic this Saturday, Oct. 23, at the spectator friendly Hutson Mills Metro Park in Dexter, Mich before heading the Mid-American Conference Championships in .
The EMU Classic has always been a well-received event, attracting athletes such as New Zealand Olympian
Nick Willis, NCAA Steeplechase champion
Jordan Desilets, British internationalist
Gavin Thompson, Canadian internationalist
Ryan McKenzie, members of the Hanson's Racing Club and Olympic Trials Steeplechase finalist
Corey Nowitzke. All of which are former EMU cross country athletes.
Last year,
Curtis Vollmar edged out former Eastern harrier Josh Karanja for the men's 10K crown, running a time of 32:08.
Ransom Brown (Coldwater, Mich.-Coldwater) also had a stellar performance in the men's 10K event, finishing eighth overall with a time of 33:23.00. In the men's 5K, Jeff See of Ohio State outpaced unattached runner Pat Sovacol for a time of 15:03.0 and the race win.
On the women's side, Jackie Ellis led the way for the Eagles in the 5K, as her time of 19:24.00 was good for 16th overall and was tops among all EMU harriers.
This year, the Classic will include teams from Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Kent State, Toledo, Ferris State, Oakland, Mott CC, Macomb CC, Northwood, Trine, and Frontline Racing Club.
"The Classic has traditionally served as a late season developmental event for collegians not likely to be racing the following weekend in their conference championships, redshirting athletes or post-collegiate club runners,” said men's Head Coach
John Goodridge. “It has annually proven to be a very enjoyable and interesting cross country event.”
The EMU Fall Classic will feature a men's 10K at 10 a.m., followed by a women's 5K at 10:45 a.m. The men's 5k will close out the afternoon at 11:15 a.m.
Hudson Mills Metro Park in Dexter is best reached by exiting North Territorial Road (west) from US- 23. The park entrance is past Zeeb Road on the left when exiting US-23. Parking for the event costs $5 per vehicle, payable upon entry to the park.
For more information regarding the EMU Fall Classic, please contact Coach Goodridge at 734.487.2245.
