MINNEAOPLIS, Minn. -- The Southern Utah University Thunderbird cross country teams competed at the Roy Griak Invitational, where the men placed second and the women finished fourth.
Christian Ricketts was the first Thunderbird to cross the finish line for the men with a time of 24:46.3 in the 8K placing second overall. He was followed by Joshua Collins in fifth clocking a time of 24:50.8. The men finished with a score of 54 just 20 points behind Duke.
"To see these men come out and perform the way they did for the first time this season is very satisfying," commented head coach Eric Houle. "The time we spent on their training is paying off and I am pleased with their performance."
On the women's side of the team, Alison Pray was the first to finish for the T-Birds locking in a seventh place finish with a time of 21:27.6 in the 6K. Maddy Francis followed in 14th with a time of 21.52.0. Madison Fruchey finished 16th with a time of 21:56.0.
"This team of women is very strong," said Houle. "This is easily one of the best placings we have ever had from the women at this meet and it is great to see their efforts paying off on the course."
The Thunderbirds will compete next at the Joe Piane Notre Dame Invitational on October 4.
Stay current on SUU cross country by following @SUUTFXC on Twitter and Instagram and like the Southern Utah Track and XC page on Facebook.
Head to www.suutbirds.com for all Thunderbird athletics news.
