Aquinas set to host Great Lakes Challenge

On Saturday, October 21st, Riverside Park will provide the backdrop for the largest NAIA-only event in the country.  The 15th annual NAIA Great Lakes Challenge, hosted by Aquinas College, returns as one of the marquee events on the yearly NAIA Cross Country calendar. The competition this year looks to be one of the best to date. A total number of 40 NAIA institutions will represent ten different NAIA conferences. The men's race will feature 15 schools ranked in the top 25 or Receiving Votes in the latest NAIA Coaches Poll. The race is highlighted by #1 Indiana Wesleyan, #7 Cumberlands (Ky.), #11 Shawnee State (Ohio), #12 Aquinas, and #13 Goshen (Ind.).  The women's field will consist of eleven schools ranked in the top 25 and one other, who is Receiving Votes. Top teams collide as #10 Cumberlands (Ky.), #11 Indiana Wesleyan, #13 Carroll (Mont.), #15 St. Francis (Ill.), and #16 Rocky Mountain (Mont.) will toe the line on Saturday.  The event boasts a total of four races. The Maroon Division is slated to begin at 10:00am (men) and 11:00am (women). The White Division kicks off at 11:45am (men) and 12:45pm (women).  The top two teams in each division will garner a team award, while the top 20 in each division will receive a backpack provided by the host, Aquinas College. Approximately 1,000 runners will be competing at Riverside Park on Saturday morning.

An all-you-can pasta dinner will also be held on the campus of Aquinas College on Friday night to provide food and fellowship for 500 student-athletes and coaches from across the country.