Rios Becomes GSU's Career Race Leader at Great Lakes Challenge

GRAND RAPIDS, MI—In the final tune up before the conference championship in two weeks, Governors State took part in the 13th Annual Great Lakes Challenge, one of the largest NAIA meets in the country. It marked GSU's second appearance at the event since debuting there in 2018.

All told, over 50 schools showed up at Riverside Park in southwest Michigan. GSU did not register a team score in the White Division race, which was won by Point Park (142). Lindsey Wilson (153) finished second and St. Francis (177) third out of the 26 teams that scored.

GSU's top performance was turned in by Jacqueline Navarrete, who clocked 22:19.80 over five kilometers to finish 158th overall. Bailey Honn completed the course in a personal-record time of 24:25.30 and Elizabeth Rios finished in 24:52.10. Rios became the school's career leader in race appearances (16), taking over the top spot from Dominique Hunt, who competed from 2015-17. Ashley Seyden (Harwood) clipped eight minutes off her previous time with a 31:53.30.

"Our three veterans—Jackie, Bailey and Liz—continue to improve. They're challenging other runners and that gives them a lot of confidence as we head toward the conference meet," said Head Coach Kevin Kredens.

GSU will conclude its season at the CCAC Championships on November 6 in Bourbonnais.