Hawkeyes Wrap Up Roy Griak Invite

MINNEAPOLIS – University of Iowa cross country traveled to the Roy Griak Invitational Friday morning at the Les Bolstad Golf Course in Minneapolis. 

The Hawkeye women took fourth place with 140 points at this year's Roy Griak Invite. The team was led by sophomore Elena Torres, who finished 15th with a time of 22:13.5. Iowa’s men finished sixth with 182 points and were led by sophomore Luke Knepp, who crossed the line with a time of 26:06.7 in the 8,000 meters. 

Knepp and Torres have led the Hawkeyes in each of their respective races this season.

The men’s 8,000-meter race started the day in Minneapolis. Following Knepp, Kyle Montgomery (26:14.4) and Carson Houg (26:24.8) were among the top finishers for the Hawkeyes, finishing 33rd and 40th, respectively. 

Freshman Elias Arbuckle continued his strong start his season, placing 43rd overall with a time of 26:32.7 in his first collegiate 8,000-meter race. This marks his second scoring performance of the season. Arbuckle was the eighth-fastest freshman at today’s meet. It is the second time this season that Arbuckle has finished in the top ten among freshmen after being the fourth-fastest at the Hawkeye Invite earlier this season.

Out of 144 runners, Iowa had two women finish in the top 20. Along with Torres, senior Jalyssa Blazek secured a spot in the top 20 with a time of 22:37.7. Also finishing well for the women's team were Hillary Trainor (22:49.2) and Miriam Sandeen (23:22.0). who finished 28th and 47th, respectively. Audra Soderlind scored for the Hawkeyes and provided depth, finishing 50th in 23:29.2.

HEAR FROM COACH HASENBANK
“Our women’s team has improved so much from last season. They did a great job today and beat some teams that are ranked in our region. Elena (Torres) was still up front. Jalyssa (Blazek) had one of the best races of her career. Hillary (Trainor) and Miriam (Sandeen) were consistent, as usual. Audra (Soderlind) had the best race of the entire squad, providing some depth for our lineup. This was a very tough course. We haven’t run a course that tough in quite some time. On the men’s side, we need to be healthy. Luke (Knepp) ran a good race today. Kyle (Montgomery), Carson (Houg) and Elias (Arbuckle) also ran solid races.”

Up Next: Iowa returns to action on October 3 at the Joe Piane Invitational, hosted by Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.

HAWKEYE RESULTS
Women’s 6,000 Meters
4th Place - 140 points
15. Elena Torres - 22:13.5
20. Jalyssa Blazek - 22:37.7
28. Hillary Trainor - 22:49.2
47. Miriam Sandeen - 23:22.0
50. Audra Soderlind - 23:29.2
62. Marissa Long - 23:40.9
69. Ella Magallan - 23:45.7
101. Julia Gehl - 24:26.0
106. Rowan Boulter - 24:35.4
114. Ellie Rathe -  24:50.8
125. Clare Kelly - 25:10.4

Men’s 8,000 Meters
6th Place - 182 points
28. Luke Knepp - 26:06.7
33. Kyle Montgomery - 26:14.4
40. Carson Houg - 26:24.8
43. Elias Arbuckle - 26:32.7
70. Owen Wolfe - 27:26.2
77. Hayden Kuhn - 27:43.2
79. Armaan Chopra - 27:44.1