The Valparaiso men’s cross country program split its squad on Saturday for its second weekend of competition this season.  Some Crusader runners competed at the Navy Invitational in Annapolis, Md., while others ran at the Knight Invitational, hosted by Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich.

The Crusader contingent at the Navy Invitational finished the meet in tenth place, totaling 325 points.  Senior Nick Fagan (Sycamore, Ind./Sycamore) led the way for Valpo in Annapolis, covering the 8K course in 26:46.16 to finish in 85^th place.  Junior Wally Bradford (Mukwonago, Wis./Mukwonago) was the second Crusader across the line, covering the circuit in 27:13.88 to place 91^st.

Freshman Eric Hickok (Schererville, Ind./Lake Central) and senior Jordan Piaskowy (Crete, Ill./Illiana Christian) were the next two Crusader runners to complete the race, running times of 27:40.16 and 27:41.63 respectively to finish 94^th and 95^th.  Junior Joe Johnson (Darien, Ill./Downers Grove South) completed the quintet which contributed to Valpo’s team score, running to a 99^th place finish with a time of 28:23.55.

Meanwhile at Calvin, the group of Crusader runners placed 17^th, totaling 540 points.  Sophomore Kiefer Heiman (Nashville, Ill./Nashville) led Valpo’s runners at the Knight Invitational, finishing in 136^th place, while sophomore Matthew Przybyla (Whitmore Lake, Mich./Pinckney) finished close behind Heiman in 138^th place.

Valparaiso returns to action in two weeks, making the short trip east to South Bend to compete in the Notre Dame Invitational on Friday, Sept. 30.  Action is slated for a 1 p.m. CDT start.