2008 Women Golden Grizzly Open Results
The Detroit Titans women's cross country team opened the season with a fine showing at the Golden Grizzly Open, held on Saturday Aug. 30 at Oakland University. Eight Titans ran the race competing on the varsity squad, while two other UDM student-athletes ran unattached.
UDM had six runners place in the top 20 in the 5k race, led by sophomore Kristie Ferrans. The 2007 Titan Rookie of the Year was the team's top performer with an eighth-place finish in a career best time of 19:59.
"Its a great start for Kristie," said head coach Guy Murray. "I am very proud and excited for her. Last year was tough coming off some high school injuries, but she kept working and now everything is really paying off."
Senior Jennifer DeFauw took 13th with a run of 20:31, just two seconds off her career mark. Freshman Kristina Arko, competing unattached, was right behind her in 14th place with a 20:47, while sophomore Kayleigh Toombs claimed 15th clocked at 20:54.
"Jen worked very hard this summer and came on strong late in the race and will be a positive factor for us all year," added Murray.
Freshman Stephanie Rossman made her collegiate debut with a 17th-place effort in 21:06, while junior Beata Gorzynska earned 19th in 21:12.
Rounding out the field for Detroit were seniors Terricita Thomas (23rd - 22:45), Chanteneel McClendon (28th - 24:11) and Crissy Bieling (30th - 25:40). Ashley Schinske, one of the top multi-event athletes in the Horizon League in track and field, competed unattached finishing 31st in 26:21.
"Overall, we are off to a much better start this year then in years past," said Murray. "For the most part, we had a good summer and the season will go a lot better for us."
The Titans return to action on Saturday, Sept., 6 as the UDM cross country team host the 22nd Annual Running Fit-Detroit Titan Cross Country Invitational at Cass-Benton Park in Northville, Mich. Entries are still being accepted for any individual looking to compete, with a $5.00 entry charge per athlete. More information about the event can be located by visiting the link on the cross country page.
