By Dan Lau, UWEC Sports Information
NORTHFIELD, MN. (Blugolds.com) The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's cross country team competed in their first 8k of the season against outside competition this Saturday at the St. Olaf Invitational. The Blugolds took 3rd out of 23 teams, scoring 84 points behind St. Olaf with 42 and UW-Stout with 70.
The UW-Eau Claire men raced in hot and humid conditions on St. Olaf's home course. Their course offered flat stretches on grass, winding prairies, and an up-and-down gravel section.
Sam Verkerke (Jr.- White Bear Lake, MN) was the first Blugold to finish at 8th overall with a time of 26:10.4. Mason Shea (Jr.- River Falls, WI) was the next to finish at 16th overall with a 26:27.9.
Rounding out the UW-Eau Claire top five, were Jesse Peterson (So.- St. Paul, MN/Highland Park) in 18th with a 26:32.4, Dan Lau (Sr.- Eau Claire, WI/Immanuel Lutheran) in 20th with a 26:37.8, and Jack Hesse-Withbroe (So.- Stillwater, MN) in 26th with a 26:44.3.
Blugold Junior Mason Shea said, "I think it being the first meet of the season was a shock to a lot of people. It sets us up well. It was a good learning experience. We have a lot to work on that we can fix and I'm excited to see what happens at Blugold."
The Blugolds will be back in action at the Blugold Invite at Whitetail Golf Course in Colfax, WI on Friday September 30 at 5:15 PM.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
