Dominic Baez
Despite losing several key athletes last year for various reasons, mainly graduation, and only having 13 returning seniors across the board, head coach Garry Killgore said he believes bigger isn’t always better.
“We lost several outstanding people last year,” Killgore said. “But, we still have pretty outstanding quality, especially on the men’s team.”
The women’s team, on the younger side this year, still shows quality.
“Both teams have a legitimate shot at the conference title this year,” Killgore said.
Star athletes to look out for include juniors Josh and Jeremy Lovell and Marci Klimek and senior Laura Sibley. Klimek finished in 45th place in the cross country NCAA Division III Championships Nov. 22, 2008, for.
Though the season has yet to begin, runners and field event athletes are ready to go, practicing day in and day out. The Frank Haskins Invitational will take place at George Fox University at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 28. The Linfield Icebreaker, to be held Mar. 6 and 7, will be the first unofficial competition of the outdoor season.
“There is no margin for error this year because of our lack of numbers,” Killgore said. “But that’s OK because it puts the onus of responsibility on us; it makes [the athletes] more competitive.”
Registration for the icebreaker, which will be done electronically again this year at www.directathletics.com, is due by March 4. The entry fee is $150 per team-combined or men’s or women’s-or $15 for individuals, including unattached entries. Fees may be paid on the day of the meet or earlier via check in the mail. Day-of-meet registration will not be permitted. The meet will implement Hy-Tek results software and a “Finish Lynx” timing system.