Oct. 2, 2004

Grand Valley State will compete in the Loyola-Lakefront Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 2 in Chicago, Ill. at 10:00 a.m.

The Women's 5k Gold Division will feature teams from Bradley University, DePaul University, Drake University, Eastern Illinois University, Grand Valley State, Kent University, Loyola University Chicago, Marquette University, Marshall University, Malone College, North Dakota State University, Oakland University, Olivet Nazarene University, Southeast Missouri State University, Univ. of Illinois Chicago, Universal Sole/Reebok, University of Illinois "B" , University of Hawaii, University of Nebraska, University of Northern Iowa, University of Western Ontario and Valparaiso University.

The Men's 8k Gold Division will consist of: Bradley University, DePaul University, Drake University, Eastern Illinois University, Grand Valley State, Indiana State University, Loyola University Chicago, Marquette University, Marshall University, Malone College, North Dakota State University, Oakland University, Saginaw Valley State, Southeast Missouri State University, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Univ. of Illinois * Chicago, Universal Sole/Reebok, University of Chicago, University of Nebraska, University of Northern Iowa, University of Toledo, University of Western Ontario and Valparaiso University.

"This will be a great opportunity to race a fast course against some great competition," said head coach Jerry Baltes. "The majority of the teams in both the men's and women's field are Division I schools."

"We will get to see how we stack up against some of the better programs around the Mid-West," added Baltes.

"This is only our second race of the season for the varsity squads so we are very excited to put the spikes and get back to racing again," commented Baltes. "This is a meet that will really help prepare us for the big races (GLIAC, Regionals, and Nationals) come the end of the season."

The GVSU men's team is currently ranked #7 in the nation, while the women are #3. Both squads are ranked #1 in the Great Lakes Region.

For the complete rankings, please click on the link below:
Rankings