Beyond dynamic duo, Warhurst is able to rely on 'M' harriers' supporting cast

Everything seems to be falling into place for the Michigan men's cross country team. First, the Wolverines ran the table on their regular-season schedule, winning every invitational on the slate.

Then, Michigan seized the Big Ten title from defending champion Wisconsin. Finally, the Wolverines gave coach Ron Warhurst his first NCAA district championship win in his 24-year career by winning the Great Lakes regional last weekend.

And it truly was a team effort.

Todd Snyder proclaimed himself healthy Saturday after a month-long bout with illness. Snyder ran sick at Big Tens, earning 11th place overall despite feeling less than 100 percent. At the district championship, Snyder began to realize his potential, turning in a fast time of 31:43, good enough for fourth place overall.

JOHN KRAFT/Daily John Mortimer, who finished second to teammate Kevin Sullivan at last weekend's NCAA regional, will be able to count on his teammates at the NCAA championships.

Along with Kevin Sullivan and John Mortimer, Snyder has started to run well again.

Not only has he solidified himself once again as Michigan's third man, he has become an individual force. Snyder is used to success, after earning All-State honors at Ann Arbor Pioneer.

With the NCAA championships next Monday, Warhurst has begun to taper the team's training, cutting mileage to ensure fresh legs for the Wolverines' most important race of the year. Michigan did a few speed workouts in between Big Tens and districts, to prevent staleness.

Although Sullivan and Mortimer have turned heads with their performances this year, they do have a qualified supporting cast. With Don McLaughlin's probable return to the lineup, the Wolverines' depth will be intact once again.

Michigan has six runners capable of finishing within 30 seconds of each other, and they only need five to score.

Steve Lawrence's consistent performances often go unnoticed, but Saturday, his finish of 31:56 played a key role in helping the Wolverines lock up the district title. Lawrence has been the stabilizing factor for Michigan, turning in quality efforts in each meet. He is a key factor in the three-man pack that keeps most teams at bay.

It has been a quiet season for Jay Cantin, but that's not to say it hasn't been successful. Cantin completed Saturday's race in 32:00, earning him eighth place overall. His finish closed out a spectacular 30-second pack time for the Wolverines.

Such a pack time is a high benchmark to shoot for in 8,000-meter races, but Michigan was able to hold its five that close together for the extended 10,000-meter race. The feat was even more impressive due to the presence of star runners such as Mortimer and Sullivan, who stretch out the pack time with their superior efforts.

For the Wolverines, depth will be key if they are to unseat NCAA favorites Stanford and Arkansas on Monday.

"Our goal is to finish third or fourth," Snyder said.

McLaughlin ailing: McLaughlin pulled out of Saturday's NCAA Great Lakes regional race with a pulled calf muscle. McLaughlin, one of the Wolverines' top five runners, ran most of the way in visible pain before stopping. It's the first injury any Wolverine has suffered this season.

"It's not a torn muscle, I just pulled it," McLaughlin said. "I'll take a day off and I should be ready to go again soon."

The NCAA championships are scheduled for Nov. 24, and McLaughlin plans on returning to the lineup at full strength for the race.

11-18-97