Grand Rapids, MI - The Grace cross country teams had a triumphant day at Grand Rapids Community College's Raider Invitational on Friday, making strides towards their goals at Nationals at the end of the season. 

For the men, team captain sophomore Ian Hinkle (Grand Ledge, MI) set a new personal record in the 8k with a time of 29:53, with freshman Caleb Anderson (Wyoming, MI) closely following and also setting a personal best time of 29:59.  Hinkle and Anderson placed 9th and 10th overall in the race, earning medals (top 20), and qualified for the NCCAA National Cross Country Championships in November with their times in the race.  

Freshman Marshall Gonzalez (San Antonio, TX) also ran a solid race in his 8k premier for the Tigers.

For the women, team captain junior Kristina Brandenburg (Twin Lake, MI) set another new personal record in the 5k with a time of 22:25, placing 20th overall in the race to secure the final medal spot for the ladies race.  Freshman Sayla Bender (Kingsley, MI) and senior Maty Deneui (Fenton, MI) were not far behind (24th and 26th, respectively) and both set new season best times of 22:58 and 23:03.  

Freshman Lily Anderson (Pickford, MI) held her own as she was able to move up in the race during the second mile to help secure a 4th place team finish for the Tigers (out of 7 teams). 
The cross country squads are excited for a trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for their next meet this coming Saturday, hosted by Bay College in Escanaba.  The Norse Invitational will kick off with the women's 5k at 10:30 AM, followed by the men's 8k at 11 AM.  The course location will be at 4568 20th Rd. in Gladstone, MI with timing provided by Yooper Running Company.