As measurements of improvement go, the John Carroll men's cross country team made some visible strides at the 2010 Bill Sudeck Classic despite the rain and wind at Valleevue Farm in Hunting Valley, Ohio.

Results

Since this year's race covered 6,000 kilometers as compared to 8,000 last year, the best indicator for improvement might be placement. JCU improved to fourth place -- one spot better than 2009 -- and had three runners score in the top 20 this year as opposed to just a pair a season ago.

Allegheny College, ranked third in Division III, won the meet with 10 points, followed by the host Case Reserve Spartans with 44. Baldwin-Wallace was third with 83 points and was followed by John Carroll (107), Notre Dame (159) and Adrian (169).

Jake Smith was the lead runner for the Blue Streak men in this season opening race, finishing 17th overall (14th in points) with a time of 20:02. Pat Burns was next across in 29th place (19th in points) at 20:37. 

Freshman Chuck Mule was the third JCU runner to finish, finishing 31st (20th in points) at 20.39.

Rounding out the top five for the Streaks were Nick Wojtasik and Matt Tarchick. Wojtasik was 56th in 21:34, while Tarchick was 60th in 21:41.