The Michigan Tech Cross Country teams both won their season-opening meet at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Senior Captain Luke Pravecek said, “The team expected to win against that field.”
The next upcoming meet is the Bradley Pink Classic on Oct. 16 at Bradley University in Peoria, IL. The main goal for both teams is to qualify for NCAA Division II nationals. Teams qualify through their finish at the regional meet, and Pravecek states, “we’re hoping to do better this year” to qualify for nationals. The men’s team placed tenth nationally four seasons ago and 23rd two seasons ago. Last season, the team did not qualify. “If we got top 20 in the nation, we’d be happy,” Pravecek said.
The main event of the season is the Husky Invite, which is the team’s only home meet. Taking place on Friday, Oct. 30, at the Tech Trails, this event is of high interest for cross country since most other meets are too far away for students to attend. The competition is mostly Michigan Tech, Northern Michigan, and other UP schools such as Lake Superior State. Pravecek also mentions the race is open to anyone who signs-up. Members of the Copper Country Track Club, a running club separate from the varsity team, usually enter, in addition to some Nordic skiers, who run as ski training.
Pravecek pointed out the women’s team as the main change this season. The women’s program was strong about 15 years ago and has declined since. Pravecek said this year’s women’s team is the strongest he has seen in his four years at Tech.
To look for more information about cross country at Michigan Tech, consider reaching out to the team’s Instagram @mtucctf or checking them out on the Michigan Tech Athletics website, where the team posts meets and results.
