Huskies successful season leads to race in California
The Michigan Tech men’s cross-country team is bound for the NCAA Division II National Championships in Sacramento on Saturday, Nov. 23 following a stellar season. The Huskies placed second at the GLIAC Championships and third at the Midwest Regionals.
Led by Head Coach Robert Young and Assistant Coach Luke Moore, the team has built its success through tough training and team cohesion. “When you take a group of athletes as talented as ours and they grow, good things happen,” Young said.
Young has stressed that “this is the same thing we have been doing with shiny branding,” something senior Sam Lange knows well. This is his third cross-country nationals appearance, and he was an All-American last year. A multiple-time GLIAC Athlete of the Week, Lange earned All-GLIAC and All-Region honors this season. Known for his laid-back demeanor, teammates joke he’s “most likely to be late to the start line” and praise his mom for making the best pumpkin bread.
Senior Tucker Ringhand, better known as “Puck” by his teammates, has been a captain of the Huskies for three years. His dedication to running got him voted “most likely to bring running into everyday conversation.” Ringhand cited his favorite moment was when the team huddled up after Regionals, when they were told they earned the automatic bid to nationals for the first time since 2019.
Junior transfer Michel Dennis, or “Dense” to his teammates, was described as “most likely to get lost with a map.” Young said Dennis’s addition to the team had an “instant impact” on the Huskies’ performance.
Junior Callen Carrier, who goes by “California,” “Calendar,” “50 Cal” and other nicknames, was voted best mustache on the team.
Junior Michael Marshal, or “Big Mike,” was voted “nicest man alive.” Marshal said their preseason team camp was “really awesome.” He is also known for baking sourdough bread.
Junior alternate Sawyer Fowler, nicknamed “Vegan,” is regarded as the team’s best cook and barber.
Freshman Colman Lence, called “Coleman Lunchmeat” by his teammates, earned All-GLIAC and All-Region honors this season and was voted the teammate “most likely to date your sister.”
Freshman Zebedee Swager, or “Zoob,” spent his summer in Houghton using running as his main form of transportation, earning him the title “most likely to live in a van.”
Young praised the group for their collective spirit. “I enjoy being around them, and I am proud of how they interact daily,” he said.
The Huskies’ athletic achievements this season have made them a standout part of Michigan Tech athletics. To watch them compete on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 1 p.m. EST, visit ncaa.com/sports/cross-country-men/d2.
