Aug. 30, 2007

Allendale, Mich. - Both Grand Valley State cross country teams were tabbed as the fourth-place teams in the nation by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association on Wednesday. The preseason rankings listed Abilene Christian as the top team on the men's side, while Adams State was named #1 in Division II women's cross country.

Last season, the GVSU women were the third-best team in Division II. Laura Aderman paced the Lakers at the national meet. Her time of 20:19.6 placed her third individually. Susie Rivard, who finished 21st in the nation last season, is the top returner for the Lakers this season.

The Laker men finished fifth last season and were led by Nate Peck, who placed 14th with a time of 29:56.5. Peck returns this year to defend his three consecutive Great Lakes Regional crowns. Chris Hammer (40th) and James Gale (49th) are both top 50 finishers who return to the GVSU lineup this season.

Both the men and the women will open the season on Sept. 7 at the Aquinas College Open in Grand Rapids, Mich. The meet is scheduled to get underway at 4:00 p.m.