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(VCSUVIKINGS.COM)-The Viking cross country team competed at the large Roy Griak Invitational on Saturday in St. Paul, Minn.

Dennis Gonzalez was the top Viking finisher, finishing the 8k race in a time of 29:46 and placing 272nd out of 463 runners in VCSU’s race.

Orin Rambow was just behind Gonzalez, crossing the line in 29:51 and placing 279th. It was an improvement of almost two minutes over last year’s time for Rambow.

On the women’s side, Geneva Espinoza was the top Viking finisher in a time of 30:47. Espinoza improved her time by more than a minute over last year.

“While conditions on the course were less than advantageous due to the precipitation passing through the area earlier, we had a couple quality performances,” said VCSU head coach Chris Johnson. “This meet was certainly a challenge for our runners and, in many ways, it showed. Having gone through this, I think they are better for it. I hope to see continued improvement throughout the rest of the season as we prepare for conferences.”

Up next: VCSU will compete next at the Jimmie Invitational on Oct. 7. The meet will be held at Parkhurst Cross Country Course, just outside of Jamestown.