09/08/07

The host team at a cross country meet takes time routing out a course, measuring it, trimming here, adding there, clearing debris, and clearly marking the trail.

That last item proved to be the tough element at the men's planned 6-kilometer race at UM-Duluth on Saturday afternoon.  An unclear marking at a turn sent nearly all the racers off course as they followed the leaders, invalidating times and any team scoring or individual placing for the event.

What the Saints do know is that senior Chris Rubesch finished the 'course' ahead of all of his teammates for the second weekend in a row.

The former all-conference runner who battled injury all season last year continues to hit his stride in this, his final cross country campaign. The three-sport racer -- including Nordic skiing and outdoor track -- finished almost a minute ahead of teammate Jason Kask who was competing in his first meet of the season.

Kask, a Nordic standout that nearly qualified for the NCAA All-Division championships last winter, earned All-UMAC honors last cross country season and helped lead the Saints to their first UMAC title.

Rounding out the 'scoring' places for the Saints were newcomers Waylon Manske, Chase Caywood, and Adam Kollman.

St. Scholastica heads to Northfield, Minn., for their next meet, the St. Olaf Invite on Sat., Sep. 15.