Grand Valley State University’s cross-country programs showed why they own the Midwest region this past weekend as both the men’s and women’s teams cruised to their 11th and 12th consecutive regional championships.

“This results from all of our kids buying into the program,” said head coach Jerry Baltes. “This really says a lot about our program.”

Allyson Winchester led all women in the 6k event, finishing with the meet’s best time of 20 minutes, 57 seconds — 14 seconds ahead of the entire field.

“She’s a true competitor, and a great leader,” said redshirt freshman Jessica Janecke. “(Allison) pushes the team, it was great to see her do so well.”

The Lakers showed consistency, finishing with five girls in the top 15. Hannah Osborn came and Courtney Brewis closed out the top 10 coming in right after one another at a time of 21:40.

Madie Rodts and Molly Slavens finished No. 12 and No. 13, with times of 21:44, and 21:45, respectively.

“Our kids really executed the race plan,” Baltes said. “They stuck together, and finished strong as a group.”

The Lakers women’s team torched the competition with a total score of 45. Saginaw Valley State and Ferris State finished behind the Lakers with total scores of 110, and 134, respectively.

“Finishing so strong within a pack just goes to show how deep our team is,” Janecke said. “We don’t pride ourselves on having one person that’s above everyone else. Its really a team effort.”

On the men’s side, it was a pack of Lakers that led to their 11th-consecutive regional title. Brent Showerman came in first for the Lakers with a time of 31:26, No. eight overall.

Followed immediately was Allan Peterson in ninth (31:27), Spencer Pageau at No. 10 (31:28), and Jake Isaacson at No. 11 (31:29).

“It’s really a testament to our team, and how we work together,” said junior Brent Showerman. “Our strength is within a group, not individually. It showed at regionals.”

The men’s team took the title with a total score of 62. Ashland (92), and Ferris State (103), came in at second and third place within the region.

“This is the time of the year where our focus and determination really comes into effect,” Showerman said. “Hopefully we can carry on the momentum from regionals into the National Championships.”

Both men’s and women’s teams will now be preparing for the NCAA Division II Championships, something that is on top of their wish list year in and year out.

“Hopefully the momentum from this race will carry over to the National Championships,” Baltes said. If we execute the way we did this past weekend, we should be in good shape.”
The Lakers will have two weeks to prepare for the NCAA Division II championships, which will take place in Joplin, Mo. on Saturday, Nov. 17.

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