The Gustavus Adolphus College men’s cross country team is set to begin the 2004 season under the direction of new head coach Jed Friedrich. Coach Friedrich inherits a program that placed eighth at the MIAC Championships in 2003, which was its best finish since 1999. Gustavus will have a familiar look as it returns its top seven runners from last season.
The Gusties will be led by Brent Magnusson (SR, Pelican Rapids, Minn.), Collin Meierbachtol (SO, Northfield, Minn.), Andy Rishavy (JR, Alexandria, Minn.), Jahred Stephens (JR, Minnetonka, Minn.), Ryan Taylor (SR, Mankato, Minn.), Dan Westlund (JR, Northfield, Minn.) and Alex Zupan (SO, Monona, Wisc.). The top returnees from that group are Magnusson and Zupan. Zupan was the top finisher at the conference meet in 2003 placing 27th and Magnusson was the top finisher at the region meet in 2003 placing 77th. Coach Friedrich listed newcomers Chris Delaubenfels (FY, Mount Vernon, Iowa), Elliot Saltzman (FY, Woodbury, Minn.) and Chris Lund (FY, Duluth, Minn.) as runners that could have an impact on the squad this fall.
Coach Friedrich is optimistic that the team will continue to move forward. “The top runners from last year’s squad are returning with more experience at the college level,” Friedrich commented. “Several of the guys really bumped up their summer training and will make an impact on this team. The men could make a big jump in the conference standings if they continue to work hard and push each other in the training sessions.”
Gustavus reported for pre-season training on August 25th and will open the season on September 4th at the St. Mary’s University Invitational.
General Information
Name: Gustavus Adolphus College
Location: St. Peter, Minn.
Founded: 1862
Enrollment: 2,525
Nickname: Golden Gusties
School Colors: Black and Gold
Affiliation: NCAA Div. III
President: Jim Peterson
Athletic Director: Al Molde
Athletic Phone: (507) 933-7617
History
First year of cross country: 1957
NCAA National Qualifications as a team: 1
Last NCAA National Championship Appearance as a team: 1990 / 14th
Sports Information
Sports Info Director: Tim Kennedy
Work Phone: (507) 933-7647
Email: timgasid@gustavus.edu
Sports Information Cross Country Contact: Mike Wilson
Work Phone: (507) 933-8411
Email: mwilson@gustavus.edu
SID Fax: (507) 933-8412
Web site: http://www.gustavus.edu/oncampus/athletics/mxc/
Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Jed Friedrich
Alma Mater / Year: Northern Michigan / 2003
Year at Gustavus: First
Head Coach’s office phone: (507) 933-7632
Assistant Coach: Dale Bahr
Player Information
All Returning Letterwinners
Brent Magnusson (SR, Pelican Rapids, MN)
Andy Rishavy (JR, Alexandria, MN)
Jahred Stephens (JR, Minnetonka, MN)
Ryan Taylor (SR, Mankato, MN)
Dan Westlund (JR, Northfield, MN)
Alex Zupan (SO, Monona, WI)
Letterwinners Lost
Drew Scanlon (New Orleans, LA)
Luke Twedt (Hastings, MN)
Key Newcomers
Chris Delaubenfels (FY, Mount Vernon, Iowa)
Elliot Saltzman (FY, Woodbury, Minn.)
Chris Lund (FY, Duluth, Minn.)
Letterwinners returning: Total: 6
Letterwinners lost: Total: 2
Top Five Returning: 5
Top Five Lost: 0
2004 Schedule
9/4 St. Mary’s Invitational
9/11 Alumni Meet
9/18 Les Duke Inviational
9/25 Roy Griak Inviational
10/1 Pre-National Meet
10/9 Dan Huston Invitational
10/22 Macalester Dual
10/30 MIAC Championships
11/13 NCAA Regional Championships
11/20 NCAA National Championships
2003 Results
8/30 St. Mary’s Invite 1st of 3
9/6 St. John’s Invite 5th of 8
9/20 Les Duke Invitational 4th of 11
9/27 Roy Griak Invitational 25th of 43
10/11 Dan Huston Invitational 5th of 6
10/24 Macalester Dual L 21-32
11/1 MIAC Championships 8th of 11
11/15 NCAA Regional Championships 16th of 22