Pokes XC Heads Back to Minnesota — Can the Cowboys Repeat at the Roy Griak?
The Brown and Gold are packing their spikes and heading to St. Paul this weekend for one of the biggest early-season cross country showdowns in the country — the Roy Griak Invitational. If you’re new to Pokes XC, this is the meet where Wyoming’s men made headlines last year by taking the team title in the Gold Division. That win put the Cowboys firmly on the national radar, and now the question is: can they do it again?
Why This Meet Matters
This isn’t just another stop on the schedule — the Roy Griak is loaded with talent. Notre Dame, Cal Baptist, and host Minnesota are all ranked programs, and the women’s field is just as stacked with top-25 teams. For the Cowboys and Cowgirls, it’s a chance to prove that last year’s breakout wasn’t a fluke and that Wyoming can run stride-for-stride with the nation’s best.
And let’s be honest — seeing the Brown and Gold charge through a massive field in Minnesota would be a huge statement for Poke Nation.
Who to Watch
Jacob White & Ryker Holtzen – These two have been anchors for Wyoming, not just in cross country but also on the track. White nearly won the opener in Cheyenne, and Holtzen is as steady as they come. Both bring experience and grit.
The Next Wave – We’ll need younger names to step up. Freshmen and underclassmen got their first taste at the Wyoming Invite, and the Roy Griak will test how deep this roster really runs.
Claire Engelhardt – On the women’s side, the freshman showed promise in her debut. Big-time fields like this can be intimidating, but also a chance to shine early.
What’s at Stake
Momentum. Knock off some ranked squads in Minnesota, and the Pokes build swagger heading into October.
Depth Test. We lost some seniors from last year, so this is where we see if the next crew is ready to keep the standard high.
Respect. Let’s be real — cross country doesn’t always get the spotlight. But another big showing at the Griak forces people to pay attention.
Fan Take
There’s something about Wyoming running tough in a national field that just hits different. Our athletes are built on hard work, high altitude training, and that “nobody out-works us” mentality. It showed last year when the Cowboys took home the trophy in St. Paul, and it can show again this Friday.
So whether you’re following along online or waiting for the results to drop, keep an eye on this one. The Pokes have a shot to make noise, and nothing fires up a fan base like seeing the Brown and Gold leave bigger programs in the dust.
Next Up: After Minnesota, the team heads to the Joe Piane Invite at Notre Dame. But first things first — let’s see if the Cowboys can defend their crown and the Cowgirls can keep climbing.
Go Pokes! 🟤