Provided by MSU

Sept. 13, 2012

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State cross country program hosts the 2012 Auto-Owners Insurance Spartan Invitational, sponsored by Playmakers, on Friday at Forest Akers East Golf Course on the school's campus. The events begin with the women's college 6K race at 12 p.m. and continue with the men's 8K race at 12:35 p.m. The high school and middle school races will follow, as over 5,000 athletes will compete throughout the day.

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"The Auto-Owners Insurance Spartan Invitational has turned into a premier event, both within the state and the Midwest," said Director of Cross Country/Track & FieldWalt Drenth. "The size of this event seems to grow every year, as people realize how great the course, the environment and the experience is for the athlete, while also being a tremendous spectator course. Members of my staff - Andy Marsh, Lisa Senakiewich, Kevin Cataldo and Becca Smeltzer - in addition to the people at Playmakers, have done so much and put so many hours into making this event run smoothly.

"I am excited about both college meets tomorrow. For many of our student-athletes, they get their season started and see where they have progressed through the summer and the preseason. With more Big Ten teams in the field, it will be a good early test, as we continue to take the necessary steps towards the conference, regional and national championship races."

Competing in both the men's and women's college races are Alpena Community College, Central Michigan, Edinboro, Ferris State, Findlay, Glen Oaks Community College, Grand Valley State, Hillsdale, Lake Superior State, Lansing Community College, Lawrence Tech, Macomb Community College, Madonna, Marygrove, Miami (Ohio), Michigan, Michigan State, Mott Ccommunity College, MSU Running Club, Muskegon Community College, Northwestern, Northwood, Oakland, Ohio State, Saginaw Valley State, Schoolcraft, Shawnee State, University of Michigan Club, Western Michigan and Wisconsin-Stout.

The Spartan women's program opened the season ranked No. 17 nationally in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) preseason poll, while the MSU men were receiving votes in their respective national poll.

All spectators must park in commuter lot 89, at the corner of Mount Hope and Farm Lane. A free shuttle will be provided for all fans attending the meet. Admission to the meet is $7 for adults and $5 for students with valid student ID and/or under-18, and there are no pets allowed.

Collegiate Race Schedule
12 p.m. - College Women (6K) 
12:35 p.m. - College Men (8K)

High School Race Schedule (5K)
1:10 p.m. - High School Boys White Race (Division 3 & 4) 
1:35 p.m. - High School Girls White Race (Division 3 & 4) 
2 p.m.- High School Boys Bronze Race (Division 2 & 3) 
2:25 p.m. - High School Girls Bronze Race (Division 2 & 3) 
2:50 p.m. - High School Boys JV #1 (White and Bronze Schools) 
3:20 p.m. - High School Girls JV #1 (White and Bronze Schools) 
3:50 p.m. - High School Boys (Spartan Elite) 
4:10 p.m. - High School Girls (Spartan Elite) 
4:35 p.m. - High School Boys JV #2 (Green and Elite Schools) 
5:05 p.m. - High School Girls JV #2 (Green and Elite Schools) 
5:35 p.m. - High School Boys Green Race (Division 1 & 2) 
5:55 p.m. - High School Girls Green Race (Division 1 & 2)

Middle School Race Schedule (3200m)
6:20 p.m. - Middle School Boys
6:25 p.m. - Middle School Girls