PHOTOS: Spartan Invitational Draws Cross-Country Cougars and Crusaders

Cross-country teams from and joined several dozen teams from across the state Friday to compete in the Michigan State University Spartan Invitational in East Lansing. 

The Dakota boys finished 12th out of 36 teams in the Green Division, while the Dakota girls took 23rd out of 41 teams also in the Green.

"Thirteen of our 24 kids ran personal best times," said Dakota coach Mike Timpa. "The boys finished 12th as a team, which was great considering we lost our top three runners from last year. The girls also ran outstanding, with 10 of 15 runners establishing new personal best times."

The L'Anse Creuse North boys both finished 12th out of 32 teams in the White Division. The North girls did not place as a team.

"We had a pretty good day with several runners achieving their best times ever," said North cross-country coach Jason Hubbard. "Jay Blazius (18:20) and Elise Huggler (22:05) both ran personal bests for their careers. Jen Farrar led the way on the girls side with her fastest time of the season with a 21:23."

The invitational also saw newcomers Alina Winter, an exchange student from Germany, and Megan Moews complete their first-ever 5K events, with Chandler Rieck completing his first race of the season as well.

Men's 5,000 Meters White Division (Small Schools) -

• 3 - Trevor Creagh, junior - 16:07
• 52 - Kevin Smolarek, senior - 17:51
• 81 - Jay Blazius, senior - 18:20 
• 104 - Tyler Creagh, sophomore - 18:35
• 109 - Gideon Gaiter, senior - 18:39
• 224 - Chandler Rieck, freshman - 24:37

Women's 5,000 Meters White Division (Small Schools) - 

• 57 - Jennifer Farrar, senior - 21:23
• 91 - Elise Huggler, senior - 22:05

5,000 Meters JV No. 1 (White and Nike Elite Schools) - 

• 256 - Alina Winter, sophomore - 24:29
• 545 - Megan Moews, junior - 34:39
  

Men's 5,000 Meters Green Division (Large Schools) -

• 36 - Alex Fauer, junior - 16:58 
• 50 - Stephen Orr, senior - 17:09
• 67 - Zack Thomas, junior - 17:22
• 101 - Tim Szymanski, senior - 17:44
• 122 - Troy Ciaramella, senior - 17:54
• 152 - Jeremy Bowers, junior - 18:06
• 170 - Colin Driscoll, junior - 18:28

Women's 5,000 Meters Green Division (Large Schools) - 

• 7 - Lauren Burnett, junior - 19:07
• 50 - Kathryn Ugorowski, senior - 20:10
• 65 - Christina Micale, junior - 20:20
• 163 - Emily Gibbings, junior - 21:45
• 245 - Marissa Camilleri, freshman - 23:29
• 246 - Courtney Kulick, sophomore - 23:35
• 251 - Rachal Pugh, junior - 23:44