DES MOINES, Iowa - A short-sided Drake Bulldogs men's cross country team dominated the field at the Grand View Invitational Friday by claiming the top four spots and having all seven runners in the top-11.
Senior Mike Rodriguez (Chanhassen, Minn.) and teammate junior Ryan Flynn (Bettendorf, Iowa) battled back-and-forth the entire race before Rodriguez came out on top in 26:12 on the 8-kilometer course at Ewing Park. Flynn finished second in 26:16, in front of junior Guy Eckman (Iowa City, Iowa) who came in third in 26:25.
"It was great to see so much support out here today," Flynn said. "We've made some great partners in the athletic department with our fellow student-athletes for programs like women's soccer and rowing."
Drake finished the race with 17 total points, two above the minimum. The next closest team was Central College with 62 points.
Sophomore Tyler Nelson (Lone Tree, Colo.) had the top race of his collegiate career finishing in fourth in a time of 26:48.
A few members of the squad were given the afternoon off to rest and recover before an important week of training. The team will compete next on Saturday, Sept. 29 in Minneapolis, Minn. at the Roy Griak Invitational.
Grand View Invitational
Des Moines, Iowa
8 Kilometers
Drake Results
1. Mike Rodriguez, 26:12
2. Ryan Flynn, 26:16
3. Guy Eckman, 26:25
4. Tyler Nelson, 26:48
7. Tony Meyer, 27:11
9. Ian Harkreader, 27:22
11. Jim Saxton, 28:02
Team Results
1. Drake, 17 (1, 2, 3, 4, 7)
2. Central, 62
3. Mount Mercy, 91
4. Southwestern CC, 117
5. Grand View Alumni, 122
6. Grand View, 168
7. Marshalltown CC, 171
