MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota State men's and women's cross country returns to the Roy Griak Invitational on Friday, September 19. The University of Minnesota hosts the 39^th annual race at Les Bolstad Golf Course in Falcon Heights.
 
The men's 8K Jo Rider Maroon race (Division II & III) begins at 11:30 a.m. The women's Suzy Wilson Maroon Race (Division II & III) race starts at 12:15 p.m.
 
One of the largest collegiate cross country races in the United States annually, the Roy Griak Invitational features competition from more than 20 institutions. Last season, the men from Northwest Missouri State won the race with Minnesota State taking 15^th place. Augustana took the top spot among women's teams, with the Mavericks finishing fifth.
 
Friday marks the second cross country meet for the Mavericks in 2025 after both teams appeared at the Augie Twilight in Sioux Falls, S.D. on Sept. 6.
 
Junior Ashley Overgaauw (Lake Wilson, Minn.) led the women with a seventh place individual finish and was named NSIC Athlete of the Week. Her 5K time of 17:35.78 was the quickest among Division II entrants. The transfer from Augustana was competing in her first race as a Maverick.
 
MSU men's cross country placed third at the Augie Twilight, finishing behind only South Dakota State and Augustana. It marked a notable improvement to the team's ninth-place finish a year prior. Luis Pfister (Ottobeuren, Germany) kicked off his freshman campaign with a 13^th place time of 19:19.7 over the four mile distance.
 
Live Results and Live Video of both races are available.