GLIAC XC

I don't see UW-Parkside as a surprise, or as a threat. A talented, relatively young group who barely missed making it to Louisville last year. You bet that one spot ate them alive and is fueling them.

We'll get a more clear picture of what they have at the GLVC meet in a couple weeks. I guess what I'm saying is I don't really see what they have done THIS SEASON to justify their #14 national ranking.

We'll have to see. They beaten a few GLIAC schools and also Augustana (SD). They lost a short course race to Lewis to start the season but didn't run their top guy so that probably means nothing. Plus it was the first race of the season. As for the national ranking, I have no idea. I can think of a number of teams off hand that are better. I'd have to look more in depth into the season's results to come up with 14 teams that are better but maybe. The regional ranking seems fine to me.

Do you mean to ask, "Which of those 3 has a chance at beating Ngandu from Tiffin?" He is a very strong runner and true grinder. It'll be a fast front pack at USI.

Tossing out some predictions for the mens race:

1. Grand Valley - around 25 points (no other team under 100)

2. Malone

3. Ashland

4. Walsh

5. Saginaw Valley

6. Michigan Tech

7. Ferris State

8. Hillsdale

9. Findlay

10. Northwood

11. Wayne State

12. Lake Superior

13. Lake Erie

14. Tiffin

15. Ohio Dominican

Individual top-10:

1. Ngandu - Tiffin

2. Panning - GVSU

3. Southgate - SVSU

4. May - GVSU

5. Bradley - GVSU

6. Roush - Malone

7. Flores - GVSU

8. Cini - GVSU

9. Knack - Ashland

10. Mach - GVSU

Ngandu is good, but I heard Panning is Juice'd up. A regular panning is pretty solid, but that kid with Juice+ in him could be freakish.

Updated pics

Team

1-GVSU

2-Malone

3-Ashland

4-Michigan Tech

5-SVSU

Ferris St

Individual

1-Panning GVSU

2-Ngandu Tiffin

3-Southgate SVSU

4-May GVSU

5-Flores GVSU

Yeah Panning cuts the course. That's why he's so fast.

Yeah Panning cuts the course. That's why he's so fast.

The only thing Panning is cutting is his weight. Juice+ has worked miracles. Check out the Orchard and Garden Blend capsules.

Uh oh! Word out of Ashland that Nick Hall is suiting up on Saturday, the red shirt is coming off. Eagles will be awfully good come Saturday if Hall can repeat. Probably favorites to get runner-up behind GV

Word on the street is that Ashland Elite has joined the Gliac. It will be interesting to see what some MD runners, a couple sprinters and a Marathoner do. Look for a top 10 finish in the team standings. Perhaps they will upset Tiffin for that top 10 finish.

I'll take Panning by 4 seconds coasting it in with a slew of GV guys behind him

Fun race to watch!

^ Link to results.

1. Grand Valley

2. Malone

3. Saginaw Valley

4. Ashland

5. Michigan Tech

6. Walsh

7. Ferris State

8. Hillsdale

9. Lake Erie

10. Wayne State

I'm a bit surprised about 5-10, great showing from Ashland, Michigan Tech, and Walsh. Lake Erie also turned a few heads. Very young team for the storm. Overall this was a very fun race to watch. Ngandu and Panning ran neck to neck for the finall 300. Grand Valley runners sported some unique haircuts. Mach showed great range with a 3rd place finish. Ferris State had two all conference runners and only managed a 7th place finish. Michigan Tech with a much stronger pack helped give them the nod over FSU and Walsh. Spectator friendly course on a great morning for xc.

Comments, anyone?

Not too many surprises. I figured it was going to be a dual between Ngandu and Panning. Mach has continued to get stronger in XC. I'm interested to see what he runs for the Mile this year. Bradley is coming around. Of any team, I agree that Lake Erie was the biggest surprise.

Sub 4:06

I picked 9 of the top-10 individuals right. Just saying. Congrats to GVSU girls, thought this might be the year their streak ends, but nope.