Big trouble at Briar Cliff

Justin+Brueggemann+leads+177+runners%2C+five+of+whom+are+pictured%2C+in+his+19th+place+finish+at+the+Briar+Cliff+Invitational.+Brueggemann%E2%80%99s+performance+propelled+WSC+to+ninth-place+overall.

Photo by Marlon Brink

Justin Brueggemann leads 177 runners, five of whom are pictured, in his 19th place finish at the Briar Cliff Invitational. Brueggemann’s performance propelled WSC to ninth-place overall.

Justin Yost, Staff Writer

Wayne State College men’s cross country used the extra training from an off week to get back on track, placing ninth out of 16 teams Sat­urday at the Briar Cliff Invitational.

Sioux Falls took the men’s cham­pionship, followed by NAIA school Morningside.

Senior Justin Brueggemann was the top finisher for the Wildcats with a 19th place finish out of 196 runners. Nick Fly helped the team with a 43rd place finish.

“I felt like I ran a good race. I wish I could of moved up a few spots, but I am happy with where I am, and can build on this performance for the rest of season,” Fly said.

Other finishers for the Wild­cats were, Jack Doughty(28:08), Cortland Cassidy(28:18), Nick Schmit(28:19), Corbin Lehn(28:46) and Joey Black(30:02).

WSC women’s cross country placed 13th out of 15 teams at Briar Cliff. Andrea DeSimone was the top finisher for the Cat’s with a 56 place finish out of 167 runners. Senior Melissa Kroll finished well for the Wildcats with a 121st place finish.

“I lifetime PR’d for a 5k course, so I was very excited. The coaching has been so good to get me to where I am now,” Kroll said.

Other finishers were, Molly King­sley(19:36), Mary Alderson(23:14), Ellen Wulf(24:19) and Sarah Post(26:54).

Wayne State will be in action again Saturday at the NSIC Cham­pionships in Falcon Heights, Minn.