By Brendon Paucek, UWEC Sports Information
Eau Claire, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's cross country team competed at Lowe's Creek Friday against UW-Stout and prevailed as winners.
Both UW-Eau Claire and UW-Stout were resting their conference teams, giving some of the younger runners a chance to compete at the front of the race. In addition, the race was only 5,000m compared to the regular collegiate 8,000m.
"It's just kind of fun to see when they get a chance to run up front; especially since they were running off for the final conference spot," said Coach Dan Schwamberger. "I thought they did a good job of just getting out together and being smart overall."
Handedly winning the race was Matt Schrupp (Jr. - Winona, MN/Cotter), who completed the course in 16:03.
"My plan was to sit behind the leaders until half way through the race and take it from there. It worked out very well," said the junior. "After I took the lead I knew it was going to be a good race. I kept picking up the pace and felt amazing."
In pursuit were Blugolds Ben Carmichael (So. - Milwaukee, WI/WI Lutheran), Tyler Kobilarcsik (Chanhassen, MN/Chanhassen), Josh Bodnar (Sr. – Akron, OH/Arrowhead), and Andrew Fink (So. - Muskego, WI/WI Lutheran). The pack finished third (16:17), fourth (16:19), sixth (16:29), and eighth (16:38), respectively.
Going forward, the competition will become more serious for the Blugolds as championship season begins; however, both Schrupp and the team are confident about the attaining their goals.
"My big goal is to break 27 minutes. I feel like I'm in great shape so I believe I can do it," said Schrupp. "I think everyone on the team believes we can win. We have put in the work and are ready to see the results."
The Blugolds will travel to Stevens Point for the first time this season to compete in the WIAC Conference Championship meet this Saturday, October 29.
