2017 GNAC Cross Country Championships

2 • GNACSports.com

With members in five states and the province of Canada and with a strong presence in or near the largest city of each, the Great Northwest Athletic Conference has established itself as one of the top Division II athletic conferences in the NCAA during its 15-year history.

Founded in July 2001, GNAC teams have had a remarkable 95 Division II top-10 national team finishes in 15 of the 16 sports that it sponsors.

The 2016-17 season started with another successful season on the national stage with three GNAC teams placing in the top-10 at the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships. Alaska Anchorage’s men placed sixth. The Simon Fraser women placed sixth and the UAA women placed seventh behind a third-place finish by Caroline Kurgat.

That success extended to the track. Western Oregon claimed an indoor national title in the men’s distance medley relay and David Ribich went on to win the outdoor national championship at 1,500 meters. The Wolves’ sixth-place finish in the indoor championships was the best ever by a GNAC squad. Conference athletes also claimed three other outdoor national titles in field events.

The season of excellence in the GNAC was topped by Western Washington’s women’s soccer program, which finished an undefeated season with the Division II national championship. Alaska Anchorage, meanwhile, was the national runner-up in volleyball.

GNAC teams have won four national titles: Seattle University women’s soccer in 2004, Seattle Pacific women’s soccer in 2008, Western Washington men’s basketball in 2012 and Western Washington women’s soccer in 2016.

About The GNAC

The GNAC Cross Country Championships return to beautiful Lake Padden in Bellingham, Washington, for the third consecutive year. Hosted by Western Washington University, Lake Padden was the site of the 2005, 2015 and 2016 GNAC Championships. This year completes a three-year run of the meet at Lake Padden. The championships move to Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Oregon, in 2018.

Owned and operated by the city of Bellingham, Lake Padden Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts year round. In addition to the lake and its trails, Lake Padden Park also features a public golf course.

Lake Padden is the longtime home of the Western Washington Classic, the school’s annual cross country meet, and was the site of the NCAA West Regional Championships in 1998, 2001, 2004 and 2010.

Today’s Meet At Lake Padden Park

2016 Meet ResultsAt Lake Padden Park, Bellingham, Wash.MENTeam Champion: Alaska Anchorage, 31 pts.Athlete of the Year: Edwin Kangogo, Alaska AnchorageFreshman of the Year: Godfrey Kemboi, Northwest NazareneNewcomer of the Year: Dustin Nading, Western Oregon

WOMENTeam Champion: Alaska Anchorage, 45 pts.Athlete of the Year: Caroline Kurgat, Alaska AnchorageNewcomer of the Year: Jordyn Block, Alaska AnchorageFreshman of the Year: Shannon Porter, Saint Martin’s

To view past GNAC Cross Country Championships results and the complete history of cross country in the GNAC, scan the QR Code or visit GNACSports.com.

On The CoverSome of the top runners in the conference are featured on this year’s GNAC Cross Country Championships program.

Clockwise From Top Left: Andrew Wise (Western Washington), Julia Howley (Simon Fraser), Ivan Colmenero (Montana State Billings), Alexandra Bergholtz (Alaska), Hanson Lee (Central Washington), Emmah Chelimo (Alaska Anchorage), David Ribich (Western Oregon), Yeshi Vaughan (Saint Martin’s), Isaac Mitchell (Northwest Nazarene), Dania Holmberg (Seattle Pacific), Sara Harrington (Concordia).

2017 GNAC Cross Country Championships

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MEN: Alaska Anchorage Poised To Repeat

Over the last two years, Alaska Anchorage has won every GNAC men’s team title in cross country & indoor and outdoor track and field.

The Seawolves hope to start the third year of dominance and win their eighth consecutive men’s cross country title, but it won’t be an easy repeat this time around as the GNAC Championships return to Lake Padden in Bellingham, Wash.

Alaska Anchorage returns defending GNAC champion Edwin Kangogo, who paced three UAA runners in the top-10 en route to a team title with a total of 31 points. It marked the sixth consecutive year where the Seawolves had won with a score of 35 points or less.

But where experience was on the Seawolves’ side last year, it is not this year. Alaska Anchorage returns just two other runners who competed in last year’s championship, both of whom were not in the scoring five. Nathan Kipchumba placed 15th last year and was the team’s No. 6 runner while Kaleb Korta finished 42nd.

Kangogo will contend to repeat as individual champion, having run 25:29.4 for 8,000 meters this season. After winning the GNAC last year, Kangogo went to place fourth at the NCAA West Region and earned All-American honors with a 19th place Division II Championships finish. The best complement to Kangogo will not be one of the returners, but freshman Felix Kemboi, who ran 25:31.8 at the Division II Conference Crossover.

Simon Fraser and Western Washington stand the best chance to end UAA’s string of team titles. The Clan, who have placed second each of the last two years, have put together a number of solid team finishes all season. Sean Miller, who placed ninth in last year’s meet, has led SFU with a season-best 25:04.2 over 8,000 meters. Oliver Jorgensen, who placed fifth in the 2015 meet, hopes to end his career on a high note. Jorgensen has run 25:44 this season.

The Vikings would love nothing more than to dethrone the Seawolves to end a three-year run of the GNAC Championships on its home course. Western Washington showed well in their final tune-up of the season, placing second at their own WWU Classic.

Andrew Wise, who has an 8,000-meter best of 25:29.7 this season, has had four top-20 finishes and hopes to erase a disappointing 35th place finish in last year’s meet. Wise finished sixth at the WWU Classic, which was contested at Lake Padden over the 10,000-meter distance that will be run at the regional and national meets. Wise is complemented by a talented and youthful supporting cast that is led by junior Dylan Hayes and sophomore Liam Cossette.

Western Oregon cannot be discounted in the title chase. Division II outdoor 1,500-meter champion David Ribich won his only race of the year and has the fastest 8,000-meter time run in the GNAC this season, a 24:47.0 at the San Francisco State Invitational. Junior Dustin Nading, the 2016 Newcomer of the Year, placed ninth in last year’s meet and has run 25:20.6 this season.

Four of last year’ s top-10 return to the championships. Northwest Nazarene’s Isaac Mitchell placed seventh last year and enters the meet with a season-best of 25:19.9. Simon Fraser’s Rowan Doherty and Alaska Anchorage’s Kipchumba should also figure into the mix after finishing 14th and 15th last year, respectively.

WOMEN: Will Simon Fraser End UAA’s Reign?

Over the last six years, Alaska Anchorage and Simon Fraser have engaged in some epic battles for the GNAC women’s cross country championship.

This year’s meet is expected to be no different. The Seawolves collected their second straight title, and their seventh in the last eight years, in a close race that came down to each team’s No. 5 runner. Caroline Kurgat led the charge, winning her first GNAC title en route to a runner-up finish at the West Regional Championships and a third place All-American finish at the Division II Championships. Both Alaska Anchorage and Simon Fraser placed their top-four athletes in the top-14, but Kaitlin Maker’s 15th place finish secured the trophy.

The Clan turned the tables in the next two meets, placing second to UAA’s third at the West Regional Championships and sixth to the Seawolves’ eighth at the national meet.

Kurgat, who enters the meet with a best of 21:18.9 over 6,000 meters this season, leads an experienced team that also returns Tamara Perez (10th in 2016), Mariah Burroughs (16th) and Danielle McCormick (19th) from last year’s scoring seven.

While Kurgat has performed in superior fashion, twice earning USTFCCCA National Athlete of the Week honors, Simon Fraser has proven dominant when it comes to the team competition. The Clan has finished no worse than second all season and came up winners against high-charged fields at both the Sundodger and Roy Griak invitationals. In the teams’ only head-to-head competition, at the Ash Creek Invitational on Sept. 8, Simon Fraser was the winner.

Julia Howley has led the charge for Simon Fraser. The senior and 2016 All-American has finished no worse than seventh in any of her four races this season and ran her season best of 21:22.9 at the Sundodger Invitational. She has yet to lose to another GNAC athlete this season. Backing Howley is senior Miryam Bassett (11th in 2016) and junior Addy Townsend (13th). The Clan is further bolstered by freshman Olivia Willett, who has consistently been in the top-four of the lineup all season.

Western Washington has finished no worse than fourth each of the last nine years and would love to score the upset on its home course. The Vikings put together a solid fourth-place finish at their own WWU Classic two weeks ago despite not placing any runners in the top-15. To score the win, the home team will need to have some lifetime best races from its talented, but young, group of runners. Senior Lillianna Stelling returns after a 12th place finish in last year’s meet and enters with a season best of 22:28.4. Sophomore Tracy Melville was close behind much of the season, turning in a season best of 22:29.2.

Seattle Pacific is expected to make a good team showing with a solid mix of veterans and young talent. Senior Mary Charleson is the top returning finisher from last year’s meet behind Kurgat, finishing fourth. She has run just one meet this season, clocking 22:14.2 at the WWU Classic. The Falcons have added a measure of talent in freshman Dania Holmberg, who has run 22:23.7 for 6,000 meters this season.

Central Washington’s Alexa Shindruk will be among those to watch at the front of the pack. The junior has posted no worse than a 11th place finish this season and enters the meet with a best of 22:09.1 over 6,000 meters.

Meet Previews

Edwin Kangogo hopes to repeat as individual champion and lead UAA to its eighth straight team title.

Alaska Anchorage’s Caroline Kurgat is the defending champion and finished third at last year’s NCAA meet.

2017 GNAC Cross Country Championships

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Takagi Fitzgerald Crawford

Alaska

NANOOKS

®

Both the Alaska men and women have shown well against other GNAC teams. The Alaska men and women were fifth among GNAC teams at September’s Sundodger Invitational. The men placed ninth on the long course at the Western Washington Classic while the women were a close 10th. Both teams stand poised to move up from their eighth place conference finishes a year ago.

Three seniors lead the UAF men. Seiji Takagi ran a best of 25:59.9 over 8,000 meters at Sundodger. Lukash Platil turned in a best of 26:05.4.5 at the same meet with Lyon Kopsack running 26:14.9. Sophomore Alexandra Bergholtz leads a youthful UAA women’s squad, running 22:52.5 at Sundodger. Senior Kim Fitzgerald enters with a 6,000-meter best of 23:15.1, also at Sundodger.

Men Yr. Hometown1 Josiah Alverts Fr. Palmer, Alaska2 Aaron Bravo Fr. Fairbanks, Alaska3 Jan Cech Sr. Jilemnice, Czech Rep.7 Lyon Kopsack Sr. Palmer, Alaska8 Nick Lovett Sr. Jackson, Wyo.11 Lukash Platil So. Thorton, Colo.13 Seiji Takagi Sr. Anchorage, Alaska14 Carl Wahlin Sr. Bismarck, N.D.15 Jacob Walsh So. Eagle River, Alaska

Women Yr. Hometown16 Alex Bergholtz Jr. Kenai, Alaska19 Kim Fitzgerald Sr. Fairbanks, Alaska20 Cheyenne Greenside Sr. Ravensdale, Wash.21 Jocelyn Kopsack Jr. Palmer, Alaska23 Anja Maijala Fr. Wrenshall, Minn.25 Kati Roivas Jr. Liperi, Finland26 Morgan Siebka Jr. Slippery Rock, Pa.27 Tatjana Spaic Sr. Palmer, Alaska28 Ann-Cathrin Uhl Sr. Muhlenbach, Germany29 Grace Weller Sr. Petersburg, Alaska

Head Coach: Nick Crawford Assistant: Josh Eide

Kangogo Kurgat Friess

Alaska Anchorage

SEAWOLVES

Thanks to some talented seniors, Alaska Anchorage is in position to repeat as champion. The Seawolves men are looking for their eighth consecutive GNAC team title while the women aim for their third straight and their eighth in the last nine years.

Senior Caroline Kurgat is the defending GNAC and women’s champion and West Region runner-up. She ended her regular season by winning the Division II Conference Crossover in a time of 21:19 for 6,000 meters. Junior Zennah Jepchumba (21:12.0 at the Crossover) and sophomore Emmah Chelimo (22:30.4) all anchor a solid top-five.

Senior Edwin Kangogo is the defending GNAC men’s champion. He has run a best of 25:29.3 over 8,000 meters at the Division II Crossover. Freshman Felix Kemboi could also challenge for the individual title with an 8,000-meter best this season of 25:31.7.

Men Yr. Hometown30 Justin Carrancho Sr. Salinas, Calif.31 Robert Cheruiyot Fr. Litein, Kenya32 Edwin Kangogo Sr. Eldoret, Kenya33 Felix Kemboi Fr. Eldoret, Kenya34 Nathan Kipchumba Sr. Eldoret, Kenya35 Nickson Koech Fr. Kapsabet, Kenya36 Kaleb Korta So. Galena, Alaska37 Jorge Sanchez Jr. Salinas, Calif.38 Taylor Turney Jr. Anchorage, Alaska

Women Yr. Hometown39 Jordyn Block So. Palmer, Alaska40 Mariah Burroughs Sr. Wasilla, Alaska41 Riley Burroughs So. Wasilla, Alaska42 Emmah Chelimo So. Iten, Kenya43 Kimberly Coscia Jr. Torrance, Calif.47 Zennah Jepchumba Jr. Eldoret, Kenya48 Michaela Keller-Miller Fr. Plymouth, Minn.49 Caroline Kurgat Sr. Eldoret, Kenya50 Danielle McCormick Jr. Soldotna, Alaska51 Tamara Perez Sr. Hendaye, France52 Jules Ward Fr. Thermopolis, Wyo.

Head Coach: Michael FriessAssistants: T.J. Garlatz, Ryan McWilliams

Boston Knight Adkisson

Central Washington

WILDCATS

Central Washington’s women will be led by junior Alexa Shindruk, who has finished no worse than 11th in any meet this season. Shindruk won the season-opening Saint Martin’s Tri-Meet and ran her 6,000-meter best of 22:09.1 at the Western Washington Classic. Freshman Jackie Knight has been the Wildcats’ No. 2 runner much of the season and ran 23:09.8 at the WWU Classic.

The CWU men have seen a number of athletes take their turn as the No. 1 runner. Junior Corbin Carl-ton was the top runner at the Louisville Cross Country Classic, running 26:15.94 for 8,000 meters, while senior Josh Boston was tops at the Western Washington Clas-sic with his time of 33:12.2 for 10,000 meters. At the WWU Classic, four of the team’s five scoring runners finished within 28 seconds of each other.

Men Yr. Hometown53 Trevor Allen Fr. Lake Stevens, Wash. 54 Donovan Barnhart Fr. Everett, Wash.55 Josh Boston Sr. Ridgecrest, Calif.56 Taryk Boyd Jr. Camas, Wash.57 Corbin Carlton Jr. Spokane, Wash.59 Matt Conrardy So. Sutter Creek, Calif.60 Rajesh Gill Fr. Federal Way, Wash.61 Tyler Humphries Jr. Puyallup, Wash.62 Ron Leaf Sr. Kelso, Wash.63 Hanson Lee Jr. Ballard, Wash.64 Henry Milodragovich Fr. Seattle, Wash.65 Matthew Schrenk Jr. Selah, Wash.

Women Yr. Hometown66 Katie Ackley Fr. Cowiche, Wash.67 Brenna Carlson So. Olympia, Wash.68 Delaney Clem So. Pendleton, Ore.69 Samantha Dupras So. Vail, Ariz.70 Kiersten Kimminau Fr. Olympia, Wash.71 Jackie Knight Fr. Tacoma, Wash.73 Brenna Liebel Jr. Buckley, Wash.74 Miranda Nelson So. Gig Harbor, Wash.76 Alexa Shindruk Jr. Bellingham, Wash.77 Madi Shinn Fr. Duvall, Wash.78 Nicole Soleim Fr. Kent, Wash.

Head Coach: Kevin Adkisson Assistant: Bryan Contreras

2017 GNAC Cross Country Championships

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Lewis Pederson Mantalas

Concordia

CAVALIERS

Senior Judd Lewis hopes to end his Concordia career on a high note. Lewis placed 27th at last year’s GNAC Championships and ran his 8,000-meter best of 25:27.29 at the Sundodger Invitational. Junior transfer Jose Macias kept pace with Lewis, clocking a best of 25:41.84 at Sundodger. He placed seventh in a GNAC-heavy field at the Ash Creek Invitational.

A youthful Cavaliers’ women’s squad will rely on one of its two seniors. Sara Harrington ran her 6,000-meter best of 23:26.73 at the Sundodger Invitational. Junior Nicole Pederson was the Cavaliers’ top competitor at the Willamette Charles Bowles Invitational with a 5,000-meter best time of 19:09.9.

Now in its third year in the GNAC, Concordia will have its first opportunity as full Division II members to compete at the West Region Championships on Nov. 4 in Monmouth, Ore.

Men Yr. Hometown79 Dominic Giordano Jr. Edmonds, Wash.80 Judd Lewis Sr. Wenatchee, Wash.81 Jose Macias Jr. Hermiston, Ore.82 Josh Moats Jr. Sherwood, Ore.83 Noah Murry So. Olympia, Wash.84 Noah Wallace Fr. Lake Stevens, Wash.

Women Yr. Hometown85 Kaitlyn Bailly So. Anchorage, Alaska86 Kelsea Campbell Jr. Sparks, Nev.87 Bailey Fjelstul So. Kenmore, Wash.88 Sara Harrington Sr. San Francisco, Calif.89 Gabriella Hobson So. Coos Bay, Ore.90 Honey Rose Macatuno Fr. Kodiak, Alaska91 Aysia Killingbeck Fr. Oakridge, Ore.93 Bianca Moreno Sr. Irvine, Calif.94 Nicole Pederson Jr. Redondo Beach, Calif.

Head Coach: Jarrett Mantalas

Egeland Aiken Woehl

Montana State Billings

YELLOWJACKETS

Under first-year head coach Jonathan Woehl, Montana State Billings has experienced a steady level of success. Senior Jorey Egeland has finished no worse than 13th for the Yellowjackets’ men and won the Yel-lowjacket Invitational on Oct. 7. Junior Tyus Mendoza has been the No. 2 MSUB male all season, topped by a fourth-place finish at the Yellowjacket Invitational.

Sophomore Nikki Aiken has led a young MSUB women’s squad. She has posted three top-10 finishes and ran 23:14.4 while placing 17th among non-Division I runners at the Rocky Mountain Shootout. Senior Bai-ley Bomar has provided key upperclassman leadership and placed seventh at the Yellowjacket Invitational.

Men Yr. Hometown97 Ivan Colmenero Jr. Manhattan, Mont.98 Jorey Egeland Sr. Billings, Mont.99 Drake Henson Fr. Lewistown, Mont.101 Carson Jessop Fr. Pinesdale, Mont.103 Tyus Mendoza Jr. Colstrip, Mont.104 Jack Pickell Fr. Florence, Ore.105 Ronald Venema So. Pinesdale, Mont.

Women Yr. Hometown106 Nikki Aiken So. Belgrade, Mont.107 Sarah Beatty Jr. Billings, Mont.108 Bailey Bomar Sr. Billings, Mont.303 Miranda Livingston Fr. Columbia Falls, Mont.111 Jerrica Martin Fr. Livingston, Mont.304 Kateri Rush Fr. Wolf Point, Mont.112 Catrina Schuchard So. Harlowton, Mont.114 Josey Smiedala So. Helena, Mont.115 Kelby Wegner Sr. Medical Lake, Wash.

Head Coach: Jonathan WoehlAssistant: Brandon Hammack

Kemboi Danner Perry

Northwest Nazarene

NIGHTHAWKS

The Nighthawks’ men show the potential to improve on its’ sixth-place finish at the 2016 championships. Northwest Nazarene placed fifth at the Sundodger Invitational led by a 14th place finish by Isaac Mitchell. The senior placed 14th in the meet and owns a season best of 25:15.9 for 8,000 meters. Sophomore Godfrey Kemboi has a season best of 25:42.9 and was the GNAC Freshman of the Year in 2016.

Junior Sierra Manzer leads a young NNU women’s squad. She has run a season best of 22:52.7 for 6,000 meters at the Sundodger Invitational and placed 33rd at the WWU Classic. Sophomore Bethany Danner has run as the Nighthawks’ No. 2 runner and owns a best of 23:34 for 6,000 meters.

Men Yr. Hometown116 Ryan Abdalla Fr. Duvall, Wash.118 Peyton Brothers So. Nampa, Idaho119 Chase Cunningham Sr. Kuna, Idaho120 Gabe Fisher Sr. Nampa, Idaho121 Nicholas Hamilton Jr. Caldwell, Idaho122 Godfrey Kemboi So. Iten, Kenya123 Pablo Lopez-Hernandez Fr. Nampa, Idaho124 Rylan Manzer So. Melba, Idaho125 Isaac Mitchell Sr. Sandy, Ore.

Women Yr. Hometown126 MaKenna Conley Jr. Redmond, Ore.127 Bethany Danner So. McCall, Idaho128 Annalisa Hamilton Fr. Caldwell, Idaho129 Emily Hammons Jr. Caldwell, Idaho130 Ashley Harris Fr. Caldwell, Idaho131 Sierra Manzer Jr. Melba, Idaho132 Heidi Nisly Fr. Victor, Mont.

Head Coach: John Spatz Associate Head Coach: Jake Perry Assistant: Jenny Perry

2017 GNAC Cross Country Championships

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Schilter Lopez Brewer

Saint Martin’s

SAINTS

The Saints’ women will depend on experience to repeat its fifth-place finish from a year ago. Senior Yadira Lopez placed eighth at least year’s GNAC meet and ran 23:14.7 in her only 6,000-meter race this season, the WWU Classic. Junior Larissa Kolasinski placed sixth at the Saint Martin’s Classic and ran her 6,000-meter best of 23:22.2 at the WWU Classic.

Senior Josh Hunt hopes to finish off his career on a positive note. He enters the meet with an 8,000-meter best of 26:14.6. Junior Levi Schilter had an 8,000-meter best of 26:45.7 and has been the men’s No. 2 runner most of the season.

Men Yr. Hometown134 Colton Buster So. Centralia, Wash.136 Travis Crumpler So. Kennewick, Wash.137 Miguel De LaMelena Fr. Vancouver, Wash.138 Joe Edgecomb Jr. Lakewood, Wash.139 Derrick Howlett Fr. Kent, Wash.140 Josh Hunt Sr. Onalaska, Wash.143 Austin Miller Sr. Port Orchard, Wash.145 Brett Reese Fr. Kalaheo, Hawaii146 Levi Schilter Jr. Lacey, Wash.147 Guillaume Tabary Fr. Kailua, Hawaii

Women Yr. Hometown149 Olivia Abbott So. Buckley, Wash.150 Sadie Dalgleish Jr. Longview, Wash.151 Lindsey Dorney Jr. Bothell, Wash.153 Larissa Kolasinski Jr. Issaquah, Wash.155 Yadira Lopez Sr. Lakewood, Wash.158 Yeshi Vaughan So. Rochester, Wash.

Head Coach: Jim Brewer Assistants: Rachel Brewer, Atanas Atanassov

Halladay Charleson Lerum

Seattle Pacific

FALCONS

The Falcons’ women hope to repeat their third place GNAC finish with a squad that has relied on youth for much of the season. Senior Mary Charleson placed fourth at last year’s conference meet and ran 22:14.2 at the WWU Classic, her only race of the season to date. Freshman Dania Holmberg has impressed and enters the meet with a 6,000-meter best of 22:23.7 at the Sundodger Invitational.

Senior Ben Halladay may be the most improved runner in the GNAC. After placing 57th in last year’s GNAC meet, Halladay has posted three top-15 finishes. His 8,000-meter best of 25:15.2, at the Sundodger Invitational, is an improvement of nearly a minute over last year. He leads a Falcons’ squad that has six freshmen entered in the meet.

Men Yr. Hometown159 Colin Boutin Fr. Valrico, Fla.160 Shad Galloway Fr. Portland, Ore.161 Royce Garcia Fr. Honolulu, Hawaii162 Elius Graff Fr. Portland, Ore.163 Ben Halladay Sr. Mukilteo, Wash.164 Ben Hansen Fr. Pacific Palisades, Calif.165 Brysten James Sr. Warsaw, Ind.166 Jesse Phan So. Bellingham, Wash.167 Peder Rickbeil Fr. Billings, Mont.

Women Yr. Hometown168 Sophie Carroll Sr. Bremerton, Wash.169 Mary Charleson Sr. Mill Creek, Wash.170 Alyssa Foote So. Beaverton, Ore.171 Dania Holmberg Fr. Eagle, Idaho172 Hailey Kettel Sr. Edmonds, Wash.173 Kate Lilly So. Renton, Wash.175 Sedona McNerney So. Fair Oaks, Calif.176 Chynna Phan Sr. Bellingham, Wash.177 Abbie Steinhauer Fr. Lynnwood, Wash.178 Elizabeth Thompson Fr. Portland, Ore.179 Katherine Walter So. Brier, Wash.

Head Coach: Karl LerumAssistants: Chris Reed, Audra Smith

Miller Bassett Townsend

Simon Fraser

CLAN

Simon Fraser’s women stand the best chance of dethroning Alaska Anchorage’s team dominance. The Clan has finished no worse than second all season and beat the Seawolves in their team’s only head-to-head meeting.

Senior Julia Howley has finished no worse than seventh this season, which included a second place finish at the Roy Griak Invitational. Her best of 21:22.9 over 6,000 meters came at the Sundodger Invitational, where she placed third. Senior Miryam Bassett, junior Addy Townsend and freshman Olivia Willett provides SFU great depth that is key in the team competition.

Junior Sean Miller has paced a competitive Simon Fraser men’s team all season with an 8,000-meter best of 25:04.2 at the Sundodger Invitational. Senior Oliver Jorgensen placed 12th at the WWU Classic and has a best of 25:44.7 at 8,000 meters.

Men Yr. Hometown180 Aaron Ahl Fr. Calgary, Alta.181 Mateo de Dalmases Sr. Corbera de Llobregat, Spain182 Rowan Doherty Jr. West Vancouver, B.C.184 Oliver Jorgensen Sr. Abbotsford, B.C.185 Sean Miller Jr. Nanaimo, B.C.186 Dawson Ribeiro Fr. Surrey, B.C.187 David Sawatzky Sr. Chilliwack, B.C.188 Jalen Sekhon So. White Rock, B.C.189 Chris Sobczak Fr. S. Milwaukee, Wis.190 Ephraim Tadesse Sr. Surrey, B.C.191 Carlos Vargas So. Brossard, Que.192 Jordan Wilson Fr. Sechelt, B.C.

Women Yr. Hometown193 Miryam Bassett Sr. Nanaimo, B.C.194 Calli Charlton Fr. Vancouver, B.C.195 Sophie Dodd Jr. Vancouver, B.C.196 Julia Howley Sr. St. Johns, N.L.197 Amy Morris Fr. Nanaimo, B.C.198 Paige Nock Sr. Courtice, Ont.199 Chelsea Ribeiro Jr. Surrey, B.C.201 Addy Townsend Jr. Coquitlam, B.C.202 Dana Townsend Sr. Coquitlam, B.C.203 Olivia Willett Fr. Coquitlam, B.C.

Head Coach: Brit Townsend

2017 GNAC Cross Country Championships

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Nading Rufener Johnson

Western Oregon

WOLVES

Western Oregon’s men hope to improve on a fourth-place finish in 2016 with one of its most talented teams in history. Senior and track national champion David Ribich placed fifth in last year’s meet and won the only meets he has raced this year, the San Francisco State Invitational, with the fastest time in the GNAC of 24:47. Junior Dustin Nading (25:20.6 in 2017) and senior Josh Dempsey (25:36.5) form the core of the Wolves’ scoring five.

Senior Kennedy Rufener leads the Western Oregon women. She had two top-four finishes to her credit this season and ran a 6,000-meter best of 21:54.4 at the San Francisco State Invitational. Senior Suzanne Van De Grift provides additional depth with her best of 23:02.5 at SF State.

Men Yr. Hometown207 Lucas Caruana Fr. Astoria, Ore.209 Justin Crosswhite So. Hood River, Ore.210 Josh Dempsey Sr. Gresham, Ore.212 Stephen Fey So. Portland, Ore.215 Sawyer Heckard So. Coos Bay, Ore.217 Tyler Jones Jr. Bend, Ore.220 Zachary Lawson Fr. Prineville, Ore.222 Parker Marson Sr. Pleasant Hill, Calif.223 Hunter Mosman So. Salem, Ore.224 Dustin Nading Jr. Longview, Wash.227 David Ribich Sr. Enterprise, Ore.

Women Yr. Hometown231 Rachel Bayly So. Moscow, Idaho232 Grayson Burke So. Vancouver, Wash.234 Felicia Covey Sr. Keizer, Ore.238 Cassie McKinney So. Vancouver, Wash.242 Megan Rose Jr. Hillsboro, Ore.243 Kennedy Rufener Sr. Clackamas, Ore.245 Shayla Solomon Fr. Junction City, Ore.246 Isabelle Tingelstad Fr. Joseph, Ore.247 Suzanne

Van De Grift Sr. Yamhill, Ore.248 Olivia Woods Jr. Troutdale, Ore.

Head Coach: Mike Johnson Associate Head Coach: Octavious Gillespie-Bennett Assistants: Brady Beagley, Lindsey Kunkle, Emily Vala-Haynes

Hayes Melville Halsell

Western Washington

VIKINGS

Western Washington should perform well in both races on the team’s home course. The WWU men placed third in last year’s meet and turned in a solid second-place finish in their own WWU Classic. Senior Andrew Wise has four top-20 finishes this season and enters with an 8,000-meter best of 25:29.7. Junior Dylan Hayes and sophomore Liam Cossette add stabil-ity for a team that has grouped well all season.

The Vikings’ women placed fourth last year and enter the meet having placed fourth at the WWU Clas-sic. Senior Lillianna Stelling leads the squad with a best of 22:28.4 over 6,000 meters, run at the WWU Classic. Sophomore Tracy Melville has been solid the entire season and ran her 6,000-meter best of 22:29.2 at the Sundodger Invitational.

Men Yr. Hometown251 Peter Butler So. Port Angeles, Wash.253 Liam Cossette So. Spokane, Wash.256 Sean Eustis Sr. Washougal, Wash.263 Eric Hamel Fr. Enumclaw, Wash.264 Dylan Hayes Jr. Seattle, Wash.265 Colton Hoggarth Fr. Yakima, Wash.268 James Jasperson So. Lacey, Wash.272 Nick Mounier Jr. Kelso, Wash.275 Jadon Olson Jr. Mill Creek, Wash.276 Colton Pulver So. Wasilla, Alaska277 Kyler Sager Jr. Snohomish, Wash.285 Andrew Wise Sr. Denver, Colo.

Women Yr. Hometown286 Jane Barr Fr. Seattle, Wash.288 Talia Dreicer So. Los Alamos, N.M.289 Sophia Galvez So. Los Alamos, N.M.290 Maddy Hutchison Sr. Snoqualmie, Wash.291 Aundrea Koger So. Osage City, Kan.293 Alexandra Laiblin Sr. Oak Harbor, Wash.294 Tracy Melville So. Lamont, Wash.296 Peyton Shinnick So. Maple Valley, Wash.297 Waverly Shreffler So. Sequim, Wash.298 Lillianna Stelling Sr. Langley, Wash.299 Tovah

Swartz-Ireland Fr. Seattle, Wash.300 Nicole Vijgen So. Mukilteo, Wash.301 Brook Wedin Fr. Mora, Minn.

Head Coach: Pee Wee HalsellAssistant: Bill Roe

USTFCCCA DVISION II MEN’S COACHES POLLas of Oct. 11, 2017Rk School (1st) Pts. Prev.1. Adams State (8) 200 12. Colorado Mines 212 23. Grand Valley St. 184 34. Chico State 177 45. Cal Poly Pomona 162 76. Mount Olive 160 57. Cal Baptist 152 98. Augustana (S.D.) 143 89. Southern Indiana 142 610. Queens (N.C.) 122 10T11. Lewis 108 11

Lindenwood 108 NRT13. Western Oregon 91 17 CSU-Pueblo 91 1215. Stonehill 90 2316. Lee (Tenn.) 80 1417. Alaska Anchorage 77 1318. Western State 64 1819. Walsh 45 NR20. Dallas Baptist 43 1621. UC San Diego 42 2322. Shippensburg 40 2023. Western Washington 25 NR24. Academy of Art 16 NR25. Central Missouri 12 NR

WEST REGION RANKINGS: 1, Chico State; 2, Cal Poly Pomona; 3, Cal Baptist; 4, Western Oregon; 5, Alaska Anchorage; 6, UC San Diego; 7, Western Washington; 8, Academy of Art; 9, Simon Fraser; 10, Cal State East Bay.

USTFCCCA DVISION II WOMEN’S COACHES POLLas of Oct. 11, 2017Rk School (1st) Pts. Prev.1. Cal Baptist (7) 199 62. Grand Valley St. 191 13. Adams State (1) 186 24. Western State 175 35. Simon Fraser 169 46. Chico State 154 127. Pittsburg St. 150 78. Alaska Anchorage 141 NR9. Walsh 129 10T10. Hillsdale 122 5

Mary 122 1312. Cal State San Marcos 112 913. Colorado Mines 104 1014. Lee (Tenn.) 99 1415. Queens (N.C.) 81 1516. Oklahoma Baptist 77 1617. Northern Michigan 74 NR18. Dallas Baptist 60 2019. Augustana (S.D.) 55 2320. Cal Poly Pomona 50 1921. Mount Olive 33 2122. Minnesota Dulith 32 NR23. Stonehill 29 2324. UC-Colorado Springs 21 1825. Saint Leo 17 25

WEST REGION RANKINGS: 1, Cal Baptist; 2, Simon Fraser; 3, Chico State; 4, Alaska Anchorage; 5, Cal State San Marcos; 6, Cal Poly Pomona; 7, UC San Diego; 8, Western Washington; 9, Humboldt State; 10, Point Loma.

USTFCCCA Polls

Lake Padden ParkHOME OF THE 2017 GNAC CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Meet Schedule: Women’s Race, 10 a.m. Men’s Race, 11 a.m. Awards, Noon

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