University of Minnesota Athletics
Fall Finale Next Up on Schedule
11/5/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Cross Country
| 2015 Fall Finale | |||||||||||
| Date | Friday, Nov. 6, 2015 | ||||||||||
| Location | Collegeville, Minn. | ||||||||||
| Time | Men: 4:30 p.m. CT | ||||||||||
| Social | @GopherMCCTF | Facebook | ||||||||||
Nov. 5, 2015
MINNEAPOLIS(GopherSports.com) -- The No. 26 University of Minnesota men's cross country program returns to action on Friday, Nov. 6 with the Fall Finale in Collegeville, Minn. St. John's hosts the eight-kilometer race, which is slated to kick off at 4:30 p.m. CT.
Success at the Fall Finale
The Gophers return to the Fall Finale as the defending meet champions, having scored a perfect 15 at the event one year ago. Additionally, the Maroon & Gold have won three-straight individual titles at the meet with Matthew Jergenson taking the crown in 2014, Aaron Bartnik in 2013 and Blayne Dulian in 2012.
In the Polls
After a third-place showing at the Big Ten Championships last Sunday, Minnesota vaulted into the USTFCCCA national polls -- tying for 26th.
Remembering Roy Griak
For the first time in more than half a century, the University of Minnesota men's cross country team will head into competition without Roy Griak on its coaching staff. The legendary coach passed away in July after dedicating his life to the University of Minnesota and the sports of cross country and track & field. A Minnesota alum, Griak spent more than 50 years on the Gophers coaching staff including 33 as head coach of the men's track & field and cross country programs. In that time, he guided the Gophers to three Big Ten titles, three national champions, 47 All-Americans and 60 Big Ten champions. The Gophers will wear a special commemorative patch to honor Griak this season.
Three to Lead in 2015
A trio of redshirt seniors will serve as team captains for the Minnesota men's cross country team this year. Christian Skaret (Minnetonka, Minn.), Adam Zutz (St. Francis, Minn.) and First Team All-Big Ten honoree Aaron Bartnik (Eden Prairie, Minn.) were selected as captains for the 105th season of Gopher cross country.
Success Under Plasencia
Now in his 20th season at the helm of the Minnesota men's cross country program, Director of Men's Track & Field and Cross Country Steve Plasencia has continued to guide the Gophers program to successful season after successful season. During his 19-year tenure, the Gophers have earned 14 NCAA Championship bids as well as three NCAA regional titles. Plasencia has also coached the Gophers to a total of 12 All-America honors and 33 All-Big Ten honors. A two-time All-American for the Gophers, Plasencia still holds the school record for a 10-kilometer race.
Up Next - NCAA Midwest Regional
The Maroon & Gold return to action on Nov. 13 with the NCAA Midwest Regional at Rim Rock Farm in Lawrence, Kan. The meet marks the second time this season that the Gophers have run at the course following a first-place finish at the Bob Timmons Dual Classic to open the season on Sept. 1.
Players Mentioned
