Men's cross country ducks golf balls at Open

The No. 7 Michigan men's cross country team began its season by running in the unscored Michigan Open - an event so unofficial that the University Golf Course staff doesn't even stop golfers from playing during the race.

Traditionally, the open serves as an opportunity for Michigan coach Ron Warhurst to select his seven-man traveling squad and gain an early-season measurement of the team's potential.

Todd Snyder turned in a fine audition for the top spot, pulling away from his fellow Wolverines in the second half of the 8,000-kilometer race to take the victory.

Perhaps the biggest question facing Michigan in '98 is how Warhurst will replace the graduated Kevin Sullivan and still keep the Wolverines in the nation's top 10. Michigan hopes that depth will become its strength, instead of the liability it was last season.

"This year we have 10 guys capable of scoring. Last year we only had five," Warhurst said. "Kevin Sullivan will always have his place as a legend in Michigan cross country history. No one will be able to replace him."

With team captain John Mortimer expected to continue his success, Snyder's resurgence should help restore the Michigan 1-2 punch of '97. But Mortimer was out of character Saturday. The senior never broke away from the lead pack to give Snyder a serious challenge, finishing fifth.

"This win doesn't mean anything because Mortimer's not in shape yet," Snyder said.

One performance that did mean something was that of freshman Mark Pilja. The newcomer ran with captain Don McLaughlin the entire race, politely allowing the senior to take second place ahead of him down the stretch.

Jay Cantin is another returner expected to post fast times, but the junior's ninth-place finish at the open was not the best indicator of his endurance. Cantin consistently rounded out the Wolverines' top five last season and was a significant factor in Michigan's fourth-place finish at NCAAs.

There were plenty of valid excuses for not running well. The weather was slightly warmer than expected for an early morning race, and the wet ground also slowed the Wolverines.

Slow early performances are normal at Michigan under Warhurst, who is entering his 25th season as coach. Heavy legs in August and September translate into success come championship time.

"The team has been putting in 90-mile weeks," Warhurst said. "Mortimer's sore. Everyone's sore."

Sullivan was in attendance at the golf course Saturday - but not in uniform. The former All-American took down times for the team and cheered on his former mates.

The Wolverines will try to build on a '97 season which saw them capture every invitational on their schedule. Sullivan won his fourth individual Big Ten championship and led his team to a conference title as well.

Michigan was the favorite in all of those races - even at the Big Ten Championships - but the Wolverines went one step beyond expectations by taking the NCAA Great Lakes District Championship title, outlasting 17 other hopefuls to secure an invitation to nationals.

Even at NCAAs, Michigan kept its all-business attitude, proving that its top-five ranking throughout the season was warranted. Sullivan came up just short in his pursuit of the individual title and the Wolverines finished third, just eight points behind Colorado.

Warhurst's rigorous training will have plenty of time to take effect. Michigan will enjoy two bye weekends before traveling to Missoula, Mont., to defend its '97 championship at the Mountain West Classic.

09-08-98