Michigan State University Athletics
MSU Men's Cross Country Takes Spartan Invitational
9/16/2000 12:00:00 AM | Men's Cross Country
Sept. 16, 2000
EAST LANSING, MICH. - The Michigan State men's cross country team took first in this year's Spartan Invitational. The top five team in the team competition was rounded out by Edinboro, Loyola-Chicago, Hillsdale and Roberts Wesleyan.
Edinboro's Jeff Baker, won the invitational in a time of 24:31, with the next four spots occupied by MSU runners. Sophomore Jason Mueller and freshman Steve Padgett, finishing second and third, with times of 24:36 and 24:40 respectively. Sophomores Jared Aldrich and Ben Evans rounded out the top five. Aldrich ran 24:50, with Evans running 24:51.
"The team was really running well, actually much better than their age would indicate," said Head Coach Jim Stintzi. "They came out running much better than I thought they would, having little experience
Jason (Mueller) and Steve (Padgett) went off to an excellent start. Those times are very fast for the beginning of the season."
The Spartans are currently ranked 18th in the country by USCCA and MONDO polls and head next to the Great American Cross Country Festival on September 23 in Charlotte, N.C.
Top Eight Finishers: 1. Jeff Barker Edinboro 24:31 2. Jason Mueller Michigan State 24:36 3. Steve Padgett Michigan State 24:40 4. Jared Aldrich Michigan State 24:50 5. Ben Evans Michigan State 24:51 6. Bob Busquart Unattached 24:55 7. Andy Marsh Michigan State 24:56 8. Michael Herlihy Loyola-Chicago 25:05
