(Holland, Mich.) The Cornerstone Men's Cross Country team stormed into the 2009 season with an impressive runner up finish at the Vanderbilt Invitational hosted by Hope College.

Ranked sixteenth in the NAIA preseason poll, CU's front three raced well against Grand Valley State's top seven. The Lakers enter the year ranked ninth in the NCAA division II preseason. Zach Ripley pulled away from GVSU's Tyler Emmorey in the final mile for a three second win in 25:47 on the 8,000 meter course. Alex Green took fourth in 26:09 with Stephan Larson eleventh in 26:35. Sophomore, Adam Looman guided freshmen Travis Mabe and Jared Courtright through their collegiate debut.Looman needed a personal best 27:31 to hold of Mabe's 27:34 effort with Courtright not far behind in 28:09.

GVSU won with 23 points followed by Cornerstone with 55 and host, Hope at 78 in the five team field.