Running Fit-Detroit Titan Invitational Past Winners
Running Fit-Detroit Titan Invitational Information Sheet
The Detroit Titans men's and women's cross country teams take center stage this weekend with the running of the 22nd Annual Running Fit-Detroit Titan Invitational, held at Cass-Benton Park in Northville. The field will include close to 30 men's and women's collegiate teams as well over 20 high school and club programs, all vying for a chance at the championship.
"This could be one of the most competitive races in the history of the event," said UDM head coach Guy Murray.
The men's race will showcase some of the best teams in the Detroit Metro area. Along with the Titans, the 2005 and '06 champion as well as the 2007 runner-up Wayne State Warriors will be in the field. Wayne State returns the 2007 individual runner-up in Abdullah Saleh. The Warriors placed 19th in the NCAA Division II championship a year ago. Along with their varsity squad, the WSU Alumni, led by Nick Allen, will look to repeat as champions. Allen, the 2008 Bayshore Marathon champion, has won the race the last two year's and is the only three time champion in the history of the event. He is also just one of two men to break 20 minutes on the course with a 19:57 a year ago and a 19:51 in 2006.
"Wayne State returns virtually their whole team," said Murray. "Alumni teams can be hard to predict, but the WSU alums have kept up their running and have been a force in the road racing scene. Plus, they are led by the defending champ who will be hard to beat."
Bucknell will also be one of the favorites in the field. The Bison are coached by UDM alum and event founder Kevin Donner, who would like to add a men's championship to his trophy case. The 2007 Mid-American Conference champion Eastern Michigan Eagles will look for their event leading 12th title, while the 2007 Summit League runner-up Oakland Grizzlies will have a shot to finish first with top harrier Zack Jones in the field.
"Coach Donner will bring a deep team that is hungry to win on his old home turf," commented Murray. "EMU is a force in any race they run and I expect Oakland to run their best guys and be in the thick of things."
The UDM men's cross country team has never won the event, but have a pair of individual titles in their corner thanks to Chris McPhee's victorious runs in 1999 and 2001. Due to injuries, Detroit may not be at full strength, but with graduate senior Andrew Hayner and freshman Alex Vanias leading the way, the Titans will definitely challenge for one of the top finishes on the day.
"We won't be at full strength, but we are improved over this point last year and hopefully we run well and challenge for a top five finish," said Murray. "Individually, I think Alex and Andrew should challenge for a top 15 finish."
The women will be even more competitive with the likes of Bucknell, Eastern Michigan, Wayne State and Michigan joining the Titans. Just like the men, WSU will be among the favorites in the race. The two-time defending champions return a lineup that was 14th in NCAA Division II Championship last season. The Warriors also return Rachelle Malette the two-time defending champion who placed fifth at the NCAA championship in 2007. Last year, Malette won the race with a 17:57, the fourth fastest time in event history.
Michigan will be led by three All-Americans in Nicole Edwards, the 2007 Great Lake Cross Country Regional Champion, Geena Gall, the 2008 NCAA 800-meter event winner and Danielle Tauro, who ran the lead off leg of the indoor NCAA runner-up distance medley relay. The Wolverines won the meet back in 2002 and finished 21st in the NCAA Championship last year.
Bucknell, the 2007 Patriot League co-champions, will be on the prowl for their fourth Running Fit-Detroit Invitational title after taking the meet three years in a row from 2003-05.
"Michigan is the favorite, but I expect a good battle with Bucknell and Wayne State," said Murray. "Individually, the meet record is in jeopardy as Rachelle Malette will have good company up front."
The Titans had six runners place in the top 20 in their season opener last week, led by sophomore Kristie Ferrans. With another week of training under its belt, Detroit will look to win the meet for the first time in school history. UDM did have one individual victor in Angie Lefere, who won the race in 1997 with a time of 18:50.
"We had a good opener last week and hope to build on it against a very challenging field. We are a much improved team and I hope to hold our own this week." added Murray.
The event gets underway at 9:45 a.m., with the women's open 5000m followed by the men's open 5000m at 10:25 a.m. At 11:00 a.m., kids 9 and under will have the opportunity to race Tommy Titan up the finishing hill in the Annual Tommy Titan Future Legends Kids Race. At 11:10 a.m., is when the main event begins with the women's 5000m Collegiate Invitational. The men's 4-mile Collegiate Invitational is slated for an 11:45 start.
In addition to the team invitational, runners of all abilities are encouraged to sign up for the open races. Entry requires a fee of $5 and sign up will be available at the meet. All proceeds benefit the UDM Cross Country Team.
Running Fit - Titan Invitational Schedule
9:45 a.m. - 5,000 Meter Open Race - Women
10:25 a.m. - 5,000 Meter Open Race - Men
11:00 a.m. - Tommy Titan Future Legends Kid's Race
11:10 a.m. - 5,000 Meter Women's Collegiate Invitational
11:45 a.m. - 4 Mile Men's Collegiate Invitational
Men's Teams Competing
Bucknell, Concordia, Detroit, Eastern Michigan, Findlay, Front Line Racing Team, Glen Oak CC, Macomb CC, Madonna, Oakland CC, Oakland U, Schoolcraft, Wayne County CC, Wayne State and Wayne State Alumni.
Women's Teams Competing
Bucknell, Concordia, Detroit, Eastern Michigan, Findlay, Front Line Racing Team, Glen Oak CC, Macomb CC, Madonna, Michigan, Oakland CC, Oakland U, Schoolcraft, Wayne County CC and Wayne State.
