DeKalb | Cross country takes its first trip out of state as the Huskies travel to Minneapolis for the Roy Griak Invitational this weekend.

The meet will mark NIU’s first 6K race of the season. Last time the Huskies finished in fourth place, having four runners complete the course in the top 30 at the Illinois State Invitational on Sept. 13.

The Huskies and Ali Olson, NIU’s top finisher during its last competition, did not have an easy week off.

“We had a little bit of a harder week because we had a weekend of not having a meet,” Olson said. “We got in a couple good workouts and we will be good to go for our next race.”

Olson has seen good signs from teammates since NIU last competed.

“Everyone is looking pretty fit, our workouts are going pretty well,” Olson said. “Everyone is hitting their splits and recovering well, and I’m looking forward to seeing what everyone can do during our first 6K.”

Head coach Greg Hipp said the tough week of training will benefit NIU in the long run.

“Everything has been geared toward getting ready for later on in the season,” Hipp said. “I think some of the harder days we have had over the last week will start to take effect and we will see improvements in our racing. The key thing for us going into Minnesota is to make sure they are taking care of their bodies and are recovered.”

For the second straight meet NIU will be without one of its top returners from last season’s roster in Juliane Totzke.

“She has not been cleared yet,” Hipp said. “It has been a challenging and frustrating thing for her and it has been a little tough for the team, but she will be a nice boost when she is back in the training group with us soon.”

Along with Olson, Hipp feels Huskie captain Jamie Burr and Leah Raffety will continue their early season success when the team journeys to the Roy Griak Invitational.

“They look good this week in training,” Hipp said. “They seem to be very confident right now. I totally expect them to look good over the next six weeks as we go into the second half of the season.”

Hipp also feels the underclassmen, led by Carly Pederson, Rachel Shoemaker and Chrissy Monson, have continued to improve.

“Our freshman group has been getting more comfortable with things as well,” Hipp said. “I think we will keep getting strong each week, instead of having the next year mentality we need to try and get some things done.”

The Huskies will see nationally ranked teams during the Griak Invitational.

“It is one of the most competitive meets in the country,” Hipp said. “It is a different kind of meet for us. It is going to be a challenge, I am looking forward to see how we respond.”

NIU takes to the course at 1:10 p.m. Saturday.