Full Breakdown
Michigan State and Iowa State Shine at Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational
10/18/2025, 12:45:57 AM
Overview of the Event
The 2025 Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational, held on October 17 at the Thomas Zimmer Championship Cross Country Course in Madison, Wisconsin, showcased elite collegiate cross country teams. The event featured 32 men's teams and 31 women's teams, with many ranked nationally. Michigan State University (MSU) and Iowa State University (ISU) emerged as notable competitors, with MSU's men finishing seventh and ISU's women placing third overall.
Michigan State's Performance
The Michigan State men's cross country team finished seventh in the men's 8k Championship Race, scoring 245 points. They were the top Big Ten finisher, outperforming host team Wisconsin, which placed ninth with 271 points. The Spartans, currently ranked No. 16, were led by their top finisher, who placed 23rd with a time of 23:40.3. The men's race was won by No. 3 New Mexico, which scored 51 points, followed by No. 5 Colorado with 150 points.
On the women's side, the MSU team finished 15th with 365 points, ranking fourth among Big Ten teams. Their top finisher was 20th overall, completing the 6k race in 20:14.6. The women's race was dominated by NC State, which won with 41 points.
Iowa State's Strong Showing
The Iowa State women's cross country team achieved a commendable third-place finish, scoring 176 points. They were led by Mercyline Kirwa, who finished fifth overall in a time of 19:44.8. The Cyclones' performance was bolstered by strong finishes from Maelle Porcher and Betty Kipkore, who placed 13th and 14th, respectively. NC State won the women's race, demonstrating their strength with a total of 41 points.
The ISU men's team also competed, although specific results were not detailed in the sources. However, the women's team’s performance marked their best finish at the Nuttycombe Invitational since 2014.
Key Competitors and Results
The Nuttycombe Invitational featured several other strong teams, including:
- New Mexico: Dominated the men's race with a score of 51 points and individual winner Habtom Samuel, who set a course record of 22:58.0.
- NC State: Clinched victory in the women's race with a score of 41 points, led by Grace Hartman, who finished first.
- Northwestern: The No. 18 ranked team finished fifth in the women's race with 225 points, marking their best performance at the event.
Upcoming Events
Following the Nuttycombe Invitational, Michigan State will compete at the Eastern Michigan Invite on October 24, while Iowa State will prepare for the Big 12 Championships. Both teams aim to build on their performances as they head into the postseason.
Conclusion
The Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational served as a critical mid-season benchmark for collegiate cross country teams, highlighting the competitive landscape as teams gear up for championship season. With strong performances from Michigan State and Iowa State, both programs are positioned for success in upcoming competitions.
