MIDLAND, Michigan -- The Lake Erie Storm cross country team competed Saturday at the G-MAC Championship hosted by Northwood University. The men's team finished 11th out of 11, while the women's team placed 12th out of 12.
On the men's side, senior Bryce Michaelis led the way for the Storm, steadily chasing down opposing runners throughout the race. He improved from 142nd place after the first 1.8 miles to 138th at 3.3 miles, ultimately finishing 116th overall in the 8k with a time of 27:31.7 — just one-tenth of a second shy of his personal best set last year at the Lock Haven Invitational. Andrew Polcik followed closely behind at 27:40.6, also making strong moves through the field. Evan Laukonis (31:54.5) ran a steady race alongside his pack, while Aaron Smelser (31:12.8) and John Molnar (31:23.2) rounded out the team's efforts.
In the women's 6k, Mckenna Blore led the Storm with a time of 25:56.1, improving by over a minute from her season opener. Ayleen Villacres was close behind at 26:15.9, running a steady and consistent race, with Ona Figueras just a few seconds back at 26:27.7. Amelia Shirk (31:50.9) and Melayna Prindle (33:02.4) completed the lineup and closed out the Storm's season.
Overall, many runners showed strong improvement throughout the fall, and the team feels confident as they shift their focus toward the upcoming track and field season.
