Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University's cross country teams will begin their 2025 season at the Michigan State Spartan Invitational. The event, hosted by Michigan State University, is scheduled for Friday morning at Forest Akers Golf Course. The men's team will compete in an 8-kilometer race starting at 9 a.m., followed by the women's 6-kilometer race at approximately 9:40 a.m.

The Lakers will field a large group, with 37 men and 23 women set to compete. Among them are eight true freshmen making their collegiate debuts: Seppi Camilli, Brendan Chapple, Carter Livermore, Joseph Rohmfield, Sinead Noonan, Grace Oberski, Mackenzie Sellenraad and Mia Williams.

Eight returning athletes competed at the 2024 NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships in Sacramento, California. Reigning individual national champion Lauren Kiley leads this group. Other returning NCAA competitors include USTFCCCA All-Americans Koby Fraaza and Allie Arnsman as well as Owen Westerkamp, Brock Wooderson, Maggie O'Malley, Annika Sandman and Abigail VanderKooi.

Athletes Andre Richmond and Conor Somers have also drawn attention after being mentioned by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) in its NCAA DII Men's Cross Country National Coaches' Poll release. Both runners have previously earned individual titles at GLIAC Indoor or Outdoor Track & Field Championships and have recorded times of 14:07 or faster in the 5k event.

Race results will be available on gvsulakers.com following the conclusion of competition.