Falcon Invite Results

Four runners placed in the top 50 as the University of Detroit Mercy men's cross country team earned sixth with 188 points at the 8k Falcon Invitational on Saturday.

The race marked the final regular season competition for the Titans before they host the Horizon League Championships in two weeks at Kensington Metropark in Milford.

The men's team ran its full scoring squad for just the second time this season, finishing ahead of conference foes Youngstown State and Wright State.

Junior Pat Liederbach (Petoskey, MI/Petoskey) returned to the line-up and was the top Titan harrier on the day, placing ninth in 25:09.

“A pretty good day as we are getting closer to where we want to be,” said head coach Guy Murray. “Pat ran well and we need him to be our lead front runner.”

Senior Alex Gould (Comstock Park, MI/Comstock Park) continued to stamp himself as one of the top UDM harriers, earning a personal record with a time of 25:53 for 28th place, a 1:45 faster than his total at the BGSU short course last year.

“Gould has worked very hard and deserves all of his success,” said Murray. “He is the most unlikely sub-26 guy we have ever had, but he is fit and strong and closing races with great confidence.”

Sophomore Alex Vanias (Leroy, MI/Pine River) was next with a run of 26:10 for 44th place, while junior Alex Harris (Huntington Woods, MI/Shrine) was just four seconds behind him for 47th.

“A nice pack of Alexes for us as they ran most of race together and by championship time hopefully Vanias and Harris can stick with Gould.," Murray said.

Sophomore Erik Westbrook (Fremont, MI/Fremont) finished the Detroit scoring with a 52nd-place effort in 26:29. Junior Matt Mahler (Thorold, ON/Denis Morris Catholic) ran a 26:46 for 67th, while sophomore Bob Radlich (Cheektowaga, NY / Cleveland Hill) posted a new career best with a time of 26:48 for 69th.

The Horizon League Championships will take place on Halloween Saturday as the men's race will begin at 11 a.m., with the women to follow at noon. For more information on the event, visit the championship website by clicking here.