Notre Dame Invitational Final Results

NOTRE DAME, Ind. (September 29, 2017) – Redshirt senior Alex Baker turned in a personal-best showing to pace the attack for the Loyola University Chicago men's cross country team at the Notre Dame Invitational in Notre Dame, Ind. this afternoon.
 
Bolstered by Baker's performance, Loyola finished fifth in the final team standings, a six-spot improvement from last season, with 155 points.  The Ramblers came in just two points back of MVC rival Indiana State, who took fourth (153).  Temple (76) captured the men's team title at the event, while Tulane's Emmanuel Rotich claimed individual medalist honors with a time of 24:17.4.
 
"The guys executed a great race today," Loyola assistant cross country coach Mircea Bogdan said.  "This is the type of performance I would like to see moving forward.  Alex is leading this team with great confidence and put forth another amazing effort today.  With some more work over the next three to four weeks, this team will truly be ready to shine."
 
Baker continued the impressive start to his final campaign with the Maroon & Gold this afternoon at the Burke Golf Course.  The Crystal Lake, Ill. native crossed in 24:46.7 to finish fifth overall in the 5 Mile Gold Race.  Baker came in nearly eight seconds in front of the next closest finisher from a Missouri Valley Conference institution, Seth Cousins of Indiana State (24:55.6).
 
Junior Kevin White checked in second for the Ramblers, posting a time of 25:29.0 to finish in 29th place.  Sophomore Derek Rink (25:36.6) and senior Peter Schaible (25:46.6) landed in 35^th and 48^th, respectively. Sophomore Riley DeMeulenaere, fresh off an impressive showing at the same course at the National Catholic Championships two weeks ago, rounded out the top five for Loyola as he took 56^th with a time of 25:58.6. 

Loyola's women's side will be in action on Saturday morning at 9:15 a.m. (CT) in the 5k Gold Race at the Greater Louisville Classic in Louisville, Ky.