Grand Rapids Reporter

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University men's and women's cross country teams will host the 49th annual Ray Helsing Bulldog Invitational this Saturday, Sept. 7, at FSU's Katke Golf Course in Big Rapids.

The women's collegiate 5,000-meter race is set to begin at 9:30 a.m. (ET) and will be followed by the men's collegiate 8,000-meter event at approximately 10 a.m. (ET). Two high school races will also be part of the invitational schedule with the prep boys' 5,000 meters starting at 10:45 a.m. (ET), followed by the girls' 5,000 meters at 11:15 a.m. (ET). The invitational is open to the public and admission is free of charge.

In addition to Ferris State, several conference and regional teams traditionally participate in the collegiate races along with unattached competitors. Several local high school teams will also compete in the prep races.

The Ray Helsing Bulldog Invitational was renamed in 2010 in honor of former coach Ray Helsing, who passed away in 2014. He guided the Bulldog cross country and track and field programs from 1968-82. Helsing was inducted into the Bulldog Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001 and tutored more All-Americans than any coach in FSU history. He helped produce 20 All-Americans in cross country and track from 1968-82 and was best known for founding and coaching Ferris cross country, leading his teams to a 77-17 dual meet mark and four Great Lakes Conference titles.

This year marks the 49th overall running of the Bulldog Invitational, with either a men's or women's collegiate event held each year since 1976 prior to the cancellation in 2020 due to COVID-19.

The first men's race was held in 1971 before being discontinued and restarted in 1976. Ferris did not participate in men's cross country from 1994-98. The women's invitational has been held every year since its inception in 1980 except for fall of 2020, making this year the 44th women's race over a span of 45 years.

Katke Golf Course, which opened in 1974, has hosted several significant events including the GLIAC Men's and Women's Cross Country Championships (2003), NCAA-II Great Lakes Regional Championships (2005), Michigan Intercollegiate Championships (2006), NCAA-II Midwest Regional Championships (2008 &2011), and GLIAC Championships (2016).

A university-owned golf course situated on Ferris State's campus, Katke Golf Course serves as the host site for all home Bulldog cross country as well as men's and women's golf events. The course is named after Mr. and Mrs. Marvin L. Katke whose donation influenced campus development.

The Ferris State men's and women's cross country teams are led by former Bulldog standout Jared Kelsh who begins his tenth campaign as head coach. Saturday's meet represents both teams' first competition of the season on their home course this fall.

Ferris State will also host the GLIAC Championships at Katke Golf Course on Oct.26.