In terms of dedication and loyalty to a single university, even Penn StateâÄôs Joe Paterno barely holds a candle to legendary Gophers coach Roy Griak. Entering his 46th season with Minnesota âÄî the last 13 as an administrative assistant for the cross country team âÄî Griak is still helping the program in any way he can. From scheduling team meets to working with the administration, Griak does it all âÄî even yard work in preparation for this weekendâÄôs Roy Griak Invitational. âÄúThis year, my role has been slightly diminished due to my health, but weâÄôll be out there [Tuesday] cleaning up branches and grooming the course,âÄù 85-year-old Griak said. âÄúThen later this week, weâÄôll be out there setting up the finish line.âÄù Formerly known as the Minnesota Invitational, this weekendâÄôs competition was renamed after Griak in 1996 when he stepped down as head of the program after 33 years. Current menâÄôs cross country coach Steve Plasensia , who competed for GriakâÄôs Gophers during the 1970s , understood what he was replacing when he spoke with The Minnesota Daily in his first season 12 years ago. âÄúIn our sport [track and cross county] Roy Griak is one of the legends,âÄù Plasencia said. Griak on Minnesota In five decades of work, Griak said he had several opportunities to switch positions, but ironically it was the Minnesota weather that kept him here. âÄúIn the fall, the weather here is more conducive for distance running. It doesnâÄôt get as hot or humid as it does in other parts of the country,âÄù Griak said. âÄú[The weather] actually helps running up here.âÄù Even other Big Ten schools canâÄôt compete with MinnesotaâÄôs mild weather during cross country season, according to Griak. âÄúOne time at Purdue, we had a runner who couldnâÄôt complete the race. I donâÄôt remember who or when exactly, but we had to pack him in ice, and I thought we were going to lose him.âÄù Griak on the Griak Combining all three Divisions of college cross country with a high school race as well, the Griak Invitational is one of the largest cross country meets in the nation. Around 3,000 athletes will run this weekend at the Les Bolstad Golf Course in Falcon Heights âÄî the UniversityâÄôs home course. And although the forecast for this weekend shows a 30 percent chance of rain, the 85-year-old said the inclement weather likely wonâÄôt be a factor. âÄúThe course is a dry course for the most part,âÄù Griak said. âÄúItâÄôs just well-groomed for cross country. People are always raving about the University course, and itâÄôs probably one of the best in the country.âÄù And apart from the actual layout of the course, the Griak Invitational has become known for friendly competition. âÄúIf you have a good experience, you tell three people; if you have a bad one, you tell 10,âÄù Gophers womenâÄôs coach Gary Wilson, who helps organize the race, told the Daily last year. âÄúWeâÄôve developed a reputation of treating people right and being loyal at the same time.âÄù