E. Lansing Invite Provides Strongest Field of Runners This Year!

      Even another full week of rain did not begin to slow the cross country runners at E. Lansing.   Thursday night the Portland Boys Cross Country squad and other schools attacked the elements again on a cold, wet, and DEFINITELY windiest night thus far.   But with winds blowing the tents apart, the gun still sounded and runners took off slushing down the field against the gusts.   

   One way to deal with a VERY strong head-wind is to stay close and draft behind another runner, but with such a wet course, the mud splattering from runner ahead proved sometimes just as rough.   Even so, Carter Rosier and Andrew Seavey’s spirits were not shaken, because E. Lansing is their favorite course to run!   

   Both attacked the first mile with Carter running near 5:40 and Andrew just behind.   The 2 mile mark had Carter at about 12 minutes and Andrew still just behind. A 19:26 finish gave Carter his best time for the year and .06 seconds off his personal best 5k time EVER, with Andrew only .20 seconds off his personal record.   The coolest part of the night came in the disappointment that both had about their (best) performance (of the year), BECAUSE that says these guys want to get better and are going to work hard for that goal!

   The Raiders will have one week now, to rest up and train for the Greater Lansing Meet next Saturday.

Nothing Slows Greater Lansing XC Championships Down

          Not even the elements can slow the Greater Lansing Cross Country Championship runners down!   Rain all week, followed by the coldest day this fall still saw 40 schools show, bringing nearly 300 boy runners to the Grand Ledge Meadows Golf Course to compete early Saturday morning.

   Although the Portland Raiders Cross Country squad are short number-wise at this time and could not compete in the team scoring, both Andrew Seavey and Carter Rosier came ready to run.   Both Andrew and Carter turned in Personal Best times for this course, with Carter cutting almost a full minute off his time. “It’s a testament to these two athlete’s commitment and desire to compete.” first year Coach Simpson said, “They work hard every day to be better.”

   The Raiders will be back in action this Thursday for the last CAAC White Division Jamboree on Eaton Rapids home course Thursday.