ADRIAN, Mich. – Two time NAIA Championships qualifier Justin Bateson (Blissfield, Mich./Blissfield) is the top returner for the Siena Heights men’s cross country team as the Saints look to compete for a Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference title.
Siena Heights received votes in the NAIA preseason poll and was slated 27th in the nation. The Saints will open their season on Saturday at Adrian’s Bulldog Invitational.
Bateson, a junior, and two Oakland Community College transfers – senior Zach Widner (Detroit, Mich./Weston Prep) and junior Brett Smith (Linden, Mich./Lake Fenton) – are considered to be SHU’s top three returners.
“We think our Top 3 are going to be very tough up front, barring any injuries,” Siena Heights coach Tim Bauer said.
Other returners include seniors Chase Every (Mason, Mich./Mason) and Adam McIntosh (Imo, S.C./Dutch Fork and junior Mark Haukereid (Bridgeman, Mich./Bridgeman).
Newcomers for the Saints’ men’s cross country team are junior David Hansen (South Lyon, Mich./South Lyon East), a transfer from Oakland CC, and freshmen Justin Henry (Saline, Mich./Saline) and Terrell McGee (Saline, Mich./Saline).
“Outside our Top 3, we think the rest of the guys can battle for those 4-5-6-7 spots,” Bauer said. “Our goal is to win the conference meet and get back to the national championships.”