The Concordia University cross country teams showed their depth Saturday afternoon at the Briar Cliff invite in Sioux City, Iowa. The men, who rested seven of their top eight runners, still defeated all teams in the field as Jon Grotefendt was the top Bulldog finisher in 9th place with a time of 26:52.72. Grotefendt, the only "usual suspect" running for the Bulldogs, used the meet to gain confidence on an easier course.
"Coach (Einspahr) wanted me have a good race on an easier course since I struggled a little bit at the bigger meets (Griak and Greeno)," said Grotefendt.
The Bulldogs other notable finishers in the meet were Scott Schwalenberg in 14th, Matt Trampe in 17th, Aaron Kortze in 21st, and Michael Saalfeld in the 23rd spot.
As a team the Bulldogs scored 68 points, defeating Dordt with 72 points and Morningside with 104 points.
The women also rested many of their top runners, finishing third as a team. The top finisher for the women was Katie Lutmer who finished 5th with a time of 19:03.77. Anna Meyer also had a top ten finish in 8th place.
The next meet for both the men and women will be Saturday, Oct. 18, as the Bulldogs head to Hastings, Neb., to take part in the Hastings College Invitational.