RESULTS | HIGHLIGHTS
GOODELLS, Mich. – Macomb Men's Cross Country finished fifth out of 16 scoring teams to open the 2024 season on Friday (Aug. 30) at the Skipper Showcase. The season-opening 8K event was held at Goodells County Park, the site of this year's MCCAA/Region 12 Championship.
While the season opener came with mixed results for the Monarchs, the day featured plenty of highs and signs of a vastly improved team in head coach
Matt Fecht's third season at the helm.
Jack DeWaele (Clinton Twp., Mich./Chippewa Valley) started his collegiate career in style with a near top 10 finish. The freshman from nearby Chippewa Valley High School led the way for the Monarchs with a 12
th place finish after clocking in at 28:58 in his first 8K race.
One of two returners from last year's team,
Carson Gilbertson (Macomb, Mich./Dakota), posted his best finish at the collegiate level after checking in 17
th overall in Friday's loaded field. Gilbertson recorded a time of 29:34 to secure his first top 20 finish.
Dylan Penberthy (New Haven, Mich./L'Anse Creuse North) was 34
th after crossing the finish line at 30:33, while
Gabe Rusch (New Baltimore, Mich./Anchor Bay) placed 40
th overall after posting a time of 30:51.
Brandon Penberthy (New Haven, Mich./L'Anse Creuse North) was next at 31:17 in 47
th place and
Lucas Shemansky (Fraser, Mich./Fraser) followed closely at 31:31 to check in 51
st overall.
Mathieu Fortier (Clinton Twp., Mich./Lakeview) and
Connor Steepe (Fraser, Mich./Fraser) were back-to-back in 56
th and 57
th place, respectively. Fortier recorded a time of 31:54 with Steepe steps behind at 31:57.
Justin Pinks (Warren, Mich./Warren Woods Tower) was 60
th with a 32:05 and
Preston Corneillie (Richmond, Mich./Richmond) checked in 67
th after posting a 33:46.
The Monarchs return to action Sept. 7 at Ferris State's Ray Helsing Invitational.
