Harry Groves Spiked Shoe Invitational

There is a great lineup of races set for State College this weekend at the Harry Groves Spiked Shoe Invitational . Penn State will look to build upon their early success this season as they square off against a solid field that includes Columbia who is ranked #4 in the Northeast for both women and men.

In the HS division, State College will do battle with a host of teams from PA, NY, and WV. The HS girls race will be very intriguing as Central Cambria and Lewisburg have a rematch.

In the Club division, Rick Koubek, Matt Kisenwether, Matt Lanagan, and Greg Lackey will go after the team title.

Franek and Zarzeczny Earn Big ten Runner of the Week Honors

Bridget Franek and Lucas Zarzeczny were named Big Ten Runners of the Week after their impressive races at the Iona Meet of Champions. It is the second time this season Franek was honored. It is Zarzeczny's first time receiving the award in his young career as a Nittany, and he is the second Nittany Lion to be honored this Fall, Brian Fuller won the week of September 3rd.

Nittany Lion Women ranked 29th

The Penn State women cracked into the top 30 this week after their impressive victory at the Iona Meet of Champions. The women's team moved up two spots to number three in the Mid-Atlantic regional rankings, and the men moved up one spot to number four in the rankings.

National Polls

Men's Regional Poll

Women's Regional Poll

Iona Meet of Champions

Penn State Men's and Women's teams had great days at the Iona Meet of Champions . The women's team was victorious and the men's team finished in third. The women were led by sophomore Bridget Franek's 5th place finish in 21:51, while freshman Lucas Zarzeczny's 8th place in 25:35, was the top finish on the men's side.

Meg Sowa Wins 5k

Meg Sowa runs 19:20 to win the 15th Annual Navy Federal 5k. She beat former State College High and Penn State xc and track standout, Lou Hohnka-Oswald (nee Hohnka), for her first victory.

Meg Sowa, running with Scott Munro, on her way to victory

Big Racing Weekend Ahead

WOW! The racing slate is jammed pack this weekend. There are a local athletes lacing up their kangaroo slippers to do battle.

1st Annual Juniata College Eagle Inivitational - Ben Hatch and Kelley Killinger, both of Bellwood-Antis, will be heading to Fort Roberdeau for the multi-state meet.

Inaugural Hershey Cross Country Invitational- State College Boy's and Girls's Teams will be attending. Pre-states Is Here! There are over 40 teams running in the 2 division format, featuring about a dozen teams ranked in the PenntrackXC.com weekly rankings.

Tussey mOUnTaiNBACK - Matt Kisenwether and family, Bob Radzwich, Rod Stahl, Erik Scott, Andy Cunningham, Karl Shellenberger, and Erik Werner are two teams that are gunning for the title in the 7th edition of the 50 mile relay race.

Race Agaisnt Racism Run/Walk - Greg Lackey and Matt Lanagan will be taking a fast tour through campus during their Saturday morning 5k.

Iona Meet of Champions - Penn State Men's and Women's Teams. The meet will feature some tough competition from the Northeast, including the Iona men, who are ranked third in the country.

Please cheer all these athletes on and their competitors as they strive for greatness. I will post results throughout the weekend.