×

Algona’s Engen gives Griak Invite a trial run

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Trey Engen competes for Algona in Humboldt earlier this season.

MINNEAPOLIS — Trey Engen knows all about the history of the Roy Griak Invitational, which has been hosted by the University of Minnesota cross country programs for the past 33 years.

After making a trip to see the event first-hand, the Algona High School senior decided he wanted a chance to run at the Les Bolstad Golf Course in Falcon Heights against some of the nation’s best.

This past Saturday, Engen did just that, finishing 127th with a time of 17:20.5. Maxwell Manley of Edina, Minn. was the event winner, finishing in 15:45.9. Manley is one of the top distance runners in the state of Minnesota.

“We went to watch a family friend run in the meet a few years ago and I loved the atmosphere,” said Engen, a multi-time state track and cross country qualifier for the Bulldogs. “I was born in south Minneapolis and I still have many family and friends up there, so it works out well for them to see me run.”

Engen admitted he wasn’t at full strength for the race, but was excited to compete nonetheless.

“I’ve been a little under the weather the past few days, so I’m OK with the result,” he said. “It’s always fun to get to run against a variety of talented runners.”

Several other Iowa runners were in action, including athletes from Waukee, West Des Moines Dowling and Mason City. A total of 517 were in Engen’s field for the high school Gold race, as Edina was the team champion with Dowling placing fourth overall.

A total of six collegiate and four high school races were held during the day.

The event is named in honor of the late Roy Griak, who passed away in 2015. Griak coached the Golden Gophers from 1963-96, winning three Big Ten titles.

Engen, who was 24th at the state meet in Fort Dodge last year, is currently ranked fourth in Class 3A in Iowa and will be back in action with his Algona teammates on Tuesday at the Eagle Grove Invitational.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today