BIG RAPIDS, Mich. – The Parkside Men's Cross Country team competed at the 2024 GLIAC Cross Country Championships on Saturday afternoon in Big Rapids, Michigan. The Rangers finished sixth overall as a team.
"Both teams were aggressive and ran with grit," said Director of Cross Country and Track and Field
Nick Maas. "Our men battled but came up a little short. I know they'll bring it at regionals."
The Rangers were led by
Austin Depuydt. After starting the race in 39
th place after the first two kilometers, Depuydt was able to start his charge up the leaderboard. He climbed ten spots by the time he reached the finish line, crossing in 27
th place overall. He finished in a time of 25:27.1 which was a personal best time by over 30 seconds.
Senior
Johnathon Nowacki was close behind, finishing in 35
th place overall in a time of 25:45.6.
Freshman
Cayton Cratch was the third Ranger to cross the line, finishing 39
th overall in a time of 25:52.4. His time was a personal best by 31 seconds. Freshman
Doug Martin was the next Ranger to cross, finishing in 43
rd place. Martin moved up 19 spots over the last 6km of the race to finish in a time of 25:56.6, which was a personal best by over a minute.
Wil Kiley closed out the scoring for the Rangers, finishing 45
th overall. He finished in a time of 25:57.8 which was a personal best by just over a second.
The Rangers will now prepare for the 2024 NCAA Division II Regional Championships which will take place on November 9
th in Romeoville, Illinois at the Lewis University Cross Country Course. A link to coverage can be found at ParksideRangers.com/coverage.