MSUB men's cross country races at Griak

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Birgitta Gray O: (406) 896-5917 E: birgitta.gray@msubillings.edu

September 24, 2015 MSUB men’s cross country at Griak this weekend

MSU Billings will race for the second time in the program’s history at the Roy Griak Invitational – the largest meet of the season for the Yellowjackets.

Coming off three individual wins this season, senior Robert Peterson and the MSUB men’s cross country team is travelling to Minnesota this week for the 30th Annual Roy Griak Invitational hosted by the University of Minnesota.

BILLINGS, Mont. – Senior Robert Peterson is on a roll this season. The Billing, Mont., native and Skyview High School graduate is in prime position for a great result at the 30th annual Roy Griak Invitational, Saturday, Sept. 26.

Beginning with two wins at the Moda Health Invitational in Fairbanks, Alaska, Peterson followed that up last weekend with a win at the Division I Montana State University / Bozeman Running Company Invitational. Peterson crossed the line in 25:43.25, more than 15 seconds ahead of the runner-up, and in front of more than 50 runners from around the west region.

Saturday’s race will be a much larger affair, with several nationally-ranked NCAA Division II teams for the Montana State University Billings men’s cross country team to compete against.

“Griak provides a great opportunity to compete against some of the top NCAA Division II teams in the country with several nationally-ranked teams entered,” MSUB head coach Dave Coppock said. “We gained a lot of valuable experience last year and one thing we’re looking for is a top-3 individual performance for Robert Peterson again. I think since Robert is more familiar with the course and the race dynamics after last year, he has a good shot at the top spot. We both know there will be some very tough, national-caliber individuals up there, but he’s running really well at this point and he’s healthy, so the potential is there.”

Last year, Peterson was in a photo-finish for second place, just being edged-out by an unattached runner from Augustana (S.D.).

“Robert had a stirring photo finish placing 3rd at the finish line, just out of 2nd place last year,” Coppock said. “The teams did well too, and it gave us some confidence to run in a big, competitive field.”

Last season, MSU Billings placed two runners in the top-20, finishing with an eighth place team result overall. Looking to move up from their places during last year’s Griak are Garrett Love and Jorey Egeland as both runners were in the top-5 for MSUB last year. Joining them this season are Liam Senior Matt Winter McKay, Mark Hovland and Matt Winter who have all finished races for the Yellowjackets in the top-5. McKay has been second behind Peterson in two races, taking third overall on both course during the Alaska meet. Moving up on the team last week was freshman Tyus Mendoza who finished in the fifth spot for the ‘Jackets at the MSU Invitational.

30th Annual Roy Griak Invitational: Date: Start Time: Location: Distance: Official Results: Social Media Schedule & Results

Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015 11:30 a.m. CT Men's Maroon II (Division II) Competition Les Bolstad Cross Country Course, Falcon Heights, Minn.

8K: Men’s Maroon II (Division II) www.gophersports.com @MSUBXC | #Griak2015 2015 Roy Griak Invitational

Last season Wisconsin-Parkside won the team title, beating Augustana (S.D.) by nine points (99-90). Returning to defend their title is UW-Parkside, although the team is ranked No. 13 in the country this week. Looking to move into the top spot this year is the top-ranked team in the nation - Adams State. Augustana (S.D.), ranked No. 3, will also be returning to the Griak and should be a factor for the team title.

A new individual champion will have to be crowned at this year’s Griak as Matt Johnson from Regina graduated last season. Johnson finished the 8,000 meters in 25:32.1 with Peterson and Paul Yak both at 25:42.2. Three of the top-10 runners in last year’s race were unattached. Four of them, including Peterson, were juniors and should return to the course this year.

Last season 33 NCAA Division II teams competed at the Griak with 409 individuals running the 8,000 meter course.

Live results will not be available this year for the 30th annual Roy Griak. Results and a full recap will be available at msubsports.com following the conclusion of the event.

Up Next: The Yellowjackets will host two meets at home. The Yellowjacket Invitational at Amend Park is set for Oct. 9 with the women’s 6k race beginning at 10:00 a.m. On Oct. 15, MSU Billings and Rocky Mountain College will go head-tohead in a dual meet at Riverfront Park beginning at 4:00 p.m.

--@MSUBSports | #JacketNation--