2009 Cross Country Media Guide

PAGE 12009 BEARCAT CROSS COUNTRY

W I L L A M E T T E U N I V E R S I T Y

2 time NCAA XC Champion3 time West Region XC Champion2 time NWC XC ChampionOregon Small College Athlete of the YearNCAA Top VIII AwardDIII Student Athlete of the YearNCAA Walter Byers FinalistNCAA Women of the Year Finalist

3-time NCAA 1500m National Champion4-time NCAA 800m National ChampionNWC Cross Country Champion2-time USA Outdoor 800m Runner-upUSA Indoor 800m ChampionPrefontaine Classic 800m ChampionWorld Championships FinalistOlympic Games SemifinalistUSA Outdoor 800m Champion

Sarah Zerzan, a 2008 graduate of Willamette stood out from the crowd in many ways. She was an exemplary student and was dominant on the cross country course. At Willamette, she was a true example of what it means to be a student-athlete at the highest level.

As a Bearcat, Nick Symmonds was very successful in the classroom and lost to no one on the track. Since graduating, he has taken the country by storm, becoming the USA 800m Champion and competing at the Olympics in Beijing.

Sarah Zerzan `08 Nick Symmonds `06

A Running Tradition of Excellence


General InformationWillamette ChampionshipsNCAA West Region ChampionshipsMen — 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007Women — 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007NWC ChampionshipsMen — 1963, 1968, 1970, 1976, 1977, 1978,1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1993, 2001, 2002,2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007Women — 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

Location ...................................................... Salem, OregonFounded ........................................................................ 1842Enrollment .............1,943 Undergraduate; 2,628 OverallPresident ................................................Dr. M. Lee PeltonFaculty Athletic Rep. ................. Dr. Julianne AbendrothDirector of Athletics ...................................Mark MajeskiNickname ...............................................................BearcatsColors ............................................Cardinal and Old GoldNational Affiliation ...........................NCAA Division IIIConference .....................Northwest Conference (NWC)Associate Athletic Director ............Dr. R. Skip KenitzerAssistant Athletic Director ......................... Judy GordonAdministrative Assistant ........................... Leslie BerningHead Athletic Trainer .........................Shane Wibel, ATCAssistant Athletic Trainer...................Erin Scharer, ATCAssistant Athletic Trainer......................Ken Smith, ATCTeam Physician .................................. Dr. David ThorsettTeam Physician ..............................Dr. Daniel SchweigertAthletics Comm. Director ..................Robert McKinneyAsst. Athletics Comm. Director .................. Sara BrooksAthletics Comm. Phone ........................... (503) 370-6110Athletics Comm. E-mail ...... [email protected] Department Phone .................. (503) 370-6420Athletics Department FAX ..................... (503) 370-6379Athletics Web Site ............www.willamette.edu/athletics

Table of ContentsA Running Tradition of Excellence .......................... IFCGeneral Information ........................................................12008 Season Preview .................................................... 2-3Head Coach Matt McGuirk .............................................4Assistant Coaching Staff .............................................. 5-62008 Willamette Home Meets .........................................7Bearcat Men’s Team .................................................... 8-12Men’s Team History ........................................................13Bearcat Women’s Team ............................................ 14-17Women’s Team History ..................................................18Athletic Facilities .............................................................192007 Season Review .................................................. 20-21Willamette University ............................................... 22-23The City of Salem ...........................................................23Willamette Administration .............................................24Athletics Department Staff ...........................................24Action Photos ...............................................................IBC2008 Willamette Schedule .........................................OBC

Willamette General Information

Credits: The 2009 Willamette University Cross Country Media Guide was written, designed and edited by Christopher Sabato and Brett Franz, assistant cross country coaches, Robert McKinney, athletics comm. director, and Sara Brooks, asst. athletics comm. director. Cover pages and Team Section pages designed by Sabato. Photos: Front Cover — Top (L to R): Josh Clough, Maddie Coffman; Bottom (L to R): Molly Lewis, Alex Jimenez, Jena Winger, Chris Platano. Inside Back Cover — Center: Tristan Knutson-Lombardo; Background (Clockwise from upper left): Molly Lewis, Bill Gale, Ryan McLaughlin, Stefan Redfield, Megan Horning, Matt Parker (left) and Nathan Smith (right), Ciara Gonzalez. Outside Back Cover — Right: Hannah Vietmeier; Background: The Willamette men’s team is at the starting line. Photos by Naomi Stukey, Sabato and the WU Office of Communications. Printing: K/P, Inc.

Bearcat Cross CountryQuick Facts

Head Coach ...........................................Matt McGuirk Office Phone ..................................(503) 370-6898Seasons as WU Head Coach ......................... 6th yearAlma Mater ................................. U. of Oregon, 1988Assistant Coach ......................................... Brett Franz Office Phone ..................................(503) 370-6934Assistant Coach ...........................Christopher Sabato Office Phone ..................................(503) 370-6803Assistant Coach ..................................... Bobbi WrightCross Country Course ................Bush’s Pasture ParkFinish Location ...........Charles Bowles Track (2,400)


2009 Season Preview The Willamette University men’s and women’s cross country teams enter the 2009 season with a group of talented athletes. Willamette has won seven consecutive Northwest Conference women’s titles and the men’s team has won seven NWC championships in the past eight years. Even so, following the graduation of senior women’s runners Maddie Coffman and Jena Winger, plus men’s runner Josh Clough, the Bearcats aren’t the favorites to win NWC titles this season. That doesn’t mean the Bearcats aren’t among the top teams in the NWC, or that Willamette isn’t primed to make a strong push for the women to repeat and the men to regain the title. Ironically, it’s not primarily his team’s running skills that have Head Coach Matt McGuirk excited about the season, which starts on Friday, Sept. 11 at the Pier Park Invitational, hosted by the University of Portland. McGuirk is even more impressed with the teamwork exhibited by his runners. “I just like the team,” McGuirk said. “I like the attitude and the energy. It should be a very good year.”

The Pier Park Invitational is scheduled to get underway at 4 p.m. (PDT). A good contingent of Willamette’s runners will compete at the event. The entire WU squad is slated to run at the Willamette Grass Course Meet a week from Friday on Sept. 18 (5 p.m. at Bush’s Pasture Park). “It’s our second week of practice,” McGuirk noted. “Everybody came in ready to go. They’re really looking forward to putting on their uniforms and getting into some races in the next few weeks.” McGuirk said that he was pleased with the commitment of the team to work hard in practice and to prepare for the season. Members of the team have provided leadership not only at practice, but throughout the week. “The leadership is off the course,” McGuirk said. “They’re leading that way.” With the men’s and women’s teams ready for competition and everyone working toward common goals, McGuirk is happy with his team’s early progress as they work toward the NWC Championship and postseason meets. “It’s the first time in a long time that we’re not the favorite on one or both sides (in the Tina PatelMatt ParkerPAGE 2


NWC),” McGuirk said. “I like where we’re at.” The men’s team returns several experienced runners. Heading the list is senior Kyle Kotaich (Florence, OR/Siuslaw HS). Kotaich placed eighth at the NWC Championships in 2008 to earn Second Team All-NWC honors. Also claiming Second Team All-NWC recognition were junior Ryan McLaughlin (Milwaukie, OR/Milwaukie HS), who placed ninth, and sophomore Leo Castillo (Parkdale, OR/Hood River Valley HS), who took 13th at the NWC Meet as a freshman last year. “We have almost everybody back on the men’s side,” McGuirk commented.

“They’re at a different level now. They’re very focused and driven and very much on the same page. You could mention about 12 men (as contending for the top seven). It’s going to be a good challenge.” On the women’s team, returning runners with championship experience are Tina Patel (Jr., Bend, OR/Summit HS), who finished ninth at the NWC Meet last fall to earn Second Team All-NWC honors, and Kimber Mattox (Fr., Bend, OR/Bend HS/Cornell University), who placed sixth in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the 2009 NCAA Track and Field Championships. Mattox will compete in cross country and soccer this fall, joining the cross country runners for the second half of the season while competing throughout the schedule in soccer. Hannah Vietmeier (Sr., Shoreline, WA/Shorewood HS) also returns with significant experience. Sarah McSweney (So., Petaluma, CA/Casa Grande HS), who missed much of last season, provided additional quality depth. “And we have a nice group of freshmen that we’re excited about,” McGuirk said. “I think when we get all of the pieces put together, we’ll have a pretty good team.” The Bearcats also expect to be among the leaders at the NWC and West Regional levels. Willamette has won six West Region men’s titles since 2002 and has claimed five West Region women’s titles since 2003.

Kyle Kotaich Sarah McSweeney

Sally Venable

PAGE 3


Matt McGuirk is in his sixth year as the head coach of cross country and his sixth year as head coach of track and field at Willamette University. Prior to becoming head coach in 2004, McGuirk led the men’s cross country team for five seasons. He also was the team’s top assistant coach and recruiting coordinator from 1999-03. His ability to recruit student-athletes who succeed both in the classroom and in competition has led to the largest and most successful teams in school history. In 2002 and 2004, the WU men’s team earned fifth place finishes at the NCAA Championships. Sarah Zerzan of WU won back-to-back individual national titles at the NCAA Championships in 2006 and 2007. The WU women’s team placed ninth in the NCAA during the 2004 and 2007 seasons. McGuirk was named NWC Coach of the Year in both men’s and women’s cross country in 2004 and 2007. He also earned NWC Coach of the Year honors in men’s cross country in 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2006, and in women’s in 2008. McGuirk led the men’s team to seven NWC titles in the last eight years and the women to five consecutive NWC titles. WU has also won the NCAA West Regional men’s title for six of the last seven seasons and has captured the women’s title five of the last six seasons.

McGuirk has guided the men’s team to the NCAA Championships eight times, with the women qualifying on five occassions. He was an assistant coach when the women qualified in 2003. Since he has been at WU, both teams have earned All-Academic status every year. The award requires at least a 3.1 team GPA. As Willamette’s track and field coach, McGuirk led the men’s team to a tie for third place at the NCAA Track and Field Championships in 2004, giving Willamette its first NCAA trophy in school history. The WU men’s team took fourth place at the NCAA Championships in 2005.

Matt McGuirkHead Coach

West Region Men’sCoach of the Year2001, 2003, 2005

West Region Women’sCoach of the Year2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

NWC Men’sCoach of the Year2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

NWC Women’sCoach of the Year2004, 2007, 2008

McGuirk-Coached TeamsYear Men’s Team2001 NCAA - 7th 2002 NCAA - 5th2003 NCAA - 12th Women’s Team2004 NCAA - 5th NCAA - 9th 2005 NCAA - 16th NCAA - 14th2006 NCAA - 27th NCAA - 20th*2007 NCAA - 18th (tie) NCAA - 9th*2008 NCAA - 27th NCAA - 15th

* Sarah Zerzan individual National Champion

McGuirk’s NWC ChampionshipsMen - 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007Women - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

McGuirk’s West Region ChampionshipsMen - 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007Women - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

“Willamette is the ideal place for a student who is looking for high quality academics and athletics. It’s my honest belief that if an individual chooses Willamette and decides to be successful in and out of the classroom, the opportunity will be provided. The philosophy of my staff is to simply impart the best advice, information and opportunities to allow student-athletes to be great in whatever they want to achive”

— Matt McGuirk

PAGE 4


Brett Franz is in his fourth year as an assistant coach on the WU coaching staff. He works with the cross country teams as well as overseeing the training for the jumps, multi-events, sprints and hurdles forthe track and field program. During 2005-06, prior to joining the Bearcats, he served as the head men’s and women’s cross country coach and distance coach at Lindenwood University, located in St. Charles, Mo. Under his direction, the Lindenwood men’s cross country team placed third at the NAIA Championships and was ranked number one in the NAIA for three weeks of the season. The women’s cross country team took 15th place at the NAIA Championships. Franz was selected Heart of America Athletic Conference Coach of the Year as well as NAIA Region V coach of the year for men’s cross country. During his year at Lindenwood, he coached an NAIA individual National Champion in men’s cross country, plus champions in the indoor mile and the outdoor 10,000-meter run. During indoor and outdoor track season at Lindenwood, he was the head assistant coach. He was chosen as trackbrain.com’s NAIA National Assistant Coach of the Year for indoor track. Franz coached a total of eight NAIA All-Americans in cross country and the distance events in 2005-06. As the LU’s head assistant coach, Franz worked with a squad that has had 50 NAIA Track and Field All-Americans, including 11 NAIA National Champions. He helped guide the Lindenwood men to an NAIA Indoor National Championship as well as an Outdoor National runner-up finish. The women’s squad finished fourth at the Indoor National Championship and sixth at the Outdoor National Championship. The track and field team at Lindenwood had the 2007 World Champion in the high jump, Donald Thomas, and 2008 Olympic Trials qualifiers and finalists in Michael Rodgers (100m) and James Jenkins (triple jump). Also on

the Lindenwood team was 2004 World Junior bronze medalist Kayann Thompson (800m). Franz started his coaching career at William Woods University in Fulton, Mo., in 2004. In his one year as an assistant coach, WWU had four NAIA National qualifiers, and the women brought home the American Midwest Conference title. Franz received a master’s degree in Athletic Administration from Lindenwood. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business from Western Oregon University.

Brett FranzAssistant Coach


Christopher Sabato returns to the WU Bearcats for his fifth year as an assistant coach. He works with the cross country teams as well as the distance group, pole vaulters, sprinters and jumpers during the track and field season. Before arriving at Willamette, Sabato spent two full years at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn. At Rhodes, he coached sprinters and jumpers, including several All-Conference athletes and a handful of NCAA Division III national qualifiers. Sabato attended Alfred University in Alfred, N.Y., where he graduated in 2002 with a degree in electrical engineering. As a student-athlete at Alfred, he participated in track and field, and competed in the sprint events, as well as the long jump and the pole ault. He earned All-State honors three times as a pole vaulter in the New York State Collegiate Track onference. His athletic and coaching experiences continue to provide a positive impact on the Bearcat cross country and track and field teams as they practice and compete.

Christopher SabatoAssistant Coach

Bobbi Wright is an assistant coach with the Willamette cross country teams. She also assists with coaching the Bearcat track and field squads. Wright competed as a distance runner for the Bearcats when she attended WU as a student. She scored in three consecutive NWC track and field championship meets in the steeplechase. In cross country, she participated at the NCAA Championships in 2004. She graduated from WU in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. She earned a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Willamette in 2006. Wright currently teaches physical education at McKay HS. Her experiences as a Willamette runner transfer well to her coaching position. She can relate to the combination of academic course work, competitive meets and varied practice schedules faced by the Bearcats. Wright’s focus during the track and field season is on distance running. Her efforts have helped Willamette develop a talented group of distance runners.

Bobbi WrightAssistant Coach

PAGE 6


Willamette Home Meets Willamette will host three meets in the 2008 season. All of the meets will be hosted in scenic Bush’s Pasture Park. The Bearcats will kick off their season with the Wil-lamette Grass Course, followed by the 34th annual Charles Bowles Invitational. Willamette also will be the host for the 2008 NCAA West Region Cham-pionships.

34th Annual Charles Bowles Invitational The 2008 Charles Bowles Invitational is expected to be one of the larg-est college cross country races in the West. The event traditionally has over 1000 college entries. In 2007, there were close to 1200 entries. The prestigious event is named after legendary Willamette coach Charles Bowles, who passed away in 2006. During previous seasons, the Invitational has drawn runners from all over the country. Since 2003, teams from Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin, plus the provinces of British Columbia and Ontario have com-peted. The men’s course record was set in 2002 by Dave Davis (23:13.62, 8k). The women’s course record was set in 2003 by Margaret Butler (16:43.70, 5k).

Willamette Grass Course The WU Grass Course Meet is the season opener for the Bearcats, and will include teams from the Pacific Northwest and from California. The course is set in the upper section of Bush Park and is a 2k loop that winds through the trees. It is a challenging test for the athletes. The men’s race covers 7.1k and the women’s race is 5k. This year’s event will feature a high school sec-tion.


MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY

PAGE 8


Kevin Aubol

FRESHMAN

HometownEllensburg, WAHigh SchoolEllensburg HS

MajorUndecided

Ben Donovan

SOPHOMORE

HometownMinneapolis, MNHigh SchoolSouth HS

MajorUndecidedPersonal Best26:36.93(8k),21:12.39(4m)

Leo Castillo

SOPHOMORE

HometownParkdale, ORHigh SchoolHood River HS


Andrew Brown

FRESHMAN

HometownGig Harbor, WAHigh SchoolGig Harbor HS

MajorUndecided

Junior Chavarin

FRESHMAN

HometownMerrill, ORHigh SchoolLost River HS

MajorUndecided

Joe Donovan

SOPHOMORE

HometownMinneapolis, MNHigh SchoolSouth HS

MajorUndecidedPersonal Best26:37.00(8k)


Jonnie Dunne

JUNIOR

HometownAstoria, ORHigh SchoolAstoria HS

MajorEnvironmental StudiesPersonal Best29:39.00(8k), 23:03.55(4m)

Kyle Jackson

SOPHOMORE

HometownSpringfield, ORHigh SchoolMarist HS


Bart Grabman

SOPHOMORE

HometownAnchorage, AKHigh SchoolSteller HS


Kyle Kotaich

SENIOR

HometownFlorence, ORHigh SchoolSiuslaw HS

MajorPhysicsPersonal Best25:13.35(8k),20:35.12(4m)

Brian Gnerre

FRESHMAN

HometownTorrance, CAHigh SchoolTorrance HS

MajorUndecided

Paul Hoard

FRESHMAN

HometownLake Oswego, ORHigh SchoolLake Oswego HS

MajorUndecided

PAGE 10


Greg Lemay

FRESHMAN

HometownSherwood, ORHigh SchoolSherwood HS

MajorUndecided

Colin O’Leary

SOPHOMORE

HometownOlympia, WAHigh SchoolOlympia HS

MajorExercise SciencePersonal Best26:25.00(8k),21:30.02(4m)

Ryan McLaughlin

JUNIOR

HometownMilwaukie, ORHigh SchoolMilwaukie HS

MajorHistoryPersonal Best25:51.55(8k),20:38.58(4m)

Matt Parker

JUNIOR

HometownPortland, ORHigh SchoolLincoln HS

MajorArchaeologyPersonal Best26:18.00(8k),22:55.07(4m)

Brin Mamoogian-O’dell

SOPHOMORE

HometownAthens, OHHigh SchoolAthens HS


Matthew Merrit

FRESHMAN

HometownAurara, ORHigh SchoolNoth Marion HS

MajorUndecided


Chris Plantano

JUNIOR

HometownMyrtle Point, ORHigh SchoolMyrtle Point HS

MajorEconomicsPersonal Best25:37.00(8k),20:57.90(4m)

Nate Smith

JUNIOR

HometownColorado Springs, COHigh SchoolAir Academy HS

MajorEconomicsPersonal Best25:55.00(8k),21:26.17(4m)

Stefan Redfield

JUNIOR

HometownSisters, ORHigh SchoolSisters HS

MajorRhetoric and Media StudiesPersonal Best25:39.66(8k),20:47.27(4m)

Nicholas Rebol

JUNIOR

HometownCottonwood, CAHigh SchoolRed Bluff Union HS

MajorPhysicsPersonal Best25:37.50(8k),20:37.77(4m)

Matt Weisbard

SENIOR

HometownWilmette, ILHigh SchoolNew Trier HS

MajorInternational StudiesPersonal Best27:43.05(8k),22:45.72(4m)

Sean Sharma

FRESHMAN

HometownLa Canada, CAHigh SchoolLa Canada HS

MajorUndecided

PAGE 12


Men’s Cross Country Team HistoryMen's 4 Miles1 Dan Hall 19:29.0 19752 Dave Fleming 19:32.0 19793 Aaron Young 19:34.4 20024 Jacob Stout 19:36.1 20035 Rick LaGreide 19:41.0 19796 Rick Groenendaal 19:42.0 19837 Terry Zerzan 19:43.0 19768 Robbie Wright 19:45.0 19839 Ian Batch 19:47.7 200610 Nick Symmonds 19:49.0 2002

Men's 5 miles (8000 m)1 Dan Hall 24:02.7 19752 Aaron Hollingshead 24:24.3 20043 Aaron Young 24:24.4 20024 Jacob Stout 24:24.9 20015 David Fleming 24:26.1 19796 Kevin O'Connor 24:28.7 19837 Rick Groenendaal 24:29.0 19818 Ian Batch 24:30.70 20069 Rick LaGreide 24:35.1 197910 Robbie Wright 24:37.6 1983

NWC Team Champions (18)1963, 1968, 1970, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979,1980, 1981, 1982, 1993, 2001, 2002, 2003,2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

NWC Individual Champions (21)Tristan Knutson-Lombardo (2007)Ian Batch (2006)Nick Symmonds (2005)Aaron Hollingshead (2004)Jacob Stout (2003)Aaron Young (2002, 2000)Andy Libert (1986)Rob MacGinnittie (1985)Rick Groenendaal (1982, 1981)David Johnson (1980)Dave Flemming (1978, 1979)Tery Zerzan (1977, 1974)Dan Hall (1975, 1973)Don Johnson (1970)Gary Purpura (1969)Wes Armstrong (1964)

NCAA West Region Champions (6)2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

NCAA All Americans (6)Aaron Hollingshead (2004)Jacob Stout (2001, 2002, 2003) Aaron Young (2001, 2002)

Northwest Conference Titles NCAA Titles and Awards


WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY

2008 NORTHWEST CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS

PAGE 14


Theresa Edwards

FRESHMAN

HometownLake Tapps, WAHigh SchoolBonney Lake HS

MajorUndecided

Stevie Gildehaus

FRESHMAN

HometownSpokane Valley, WAHigh SchoolUniversity HS

MajorUndecided

Erin Madden

SOPHOMORE

HometownAlbuquerque, NMHigh SchoolEldorado

MajorPsychologyPersonal Best20:59.62(5k), 24:28.00(6k)

Kaitlin Greene

SOPHOMORE

HometownPullman, WAHigh SchoolPullman HS


Kimber Mattox

SOPHOMORE

HometownBend, ORHigh SchoolBend HS

MajorExercise Science

Megan Horning

JUNIOR

HometownPage, AZHigh SchoolPage HS

MajorSociologyPersonal Best19:13.56(5k), 23:44.72(6k)

WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY


Sarah McSweeney

SOPHOMORE

HometownPetaluma, CAHigh SchoolCasa Grande HS

MajorExercise SciencePersonal Best19:58.69(5k), 23:29.00(6k)

Cathy Monahan

SOPHOMORE

HometownLa Grande, ORHigh SchoolLa Grande HS

MajorFrenchPersonal Best20:40.99(5k), 24:48.00(6k)

Kendra Schaffer

FRESHMAN

HometownVeneta, ORHigh SchoolElmira HS

MajorUndecided

Tina Patel

JUNIOR

HometownBend, ORHigh SchoolBend HS

MajorChemistryPersonal Best19:05.37(5k), 22:32.86(6k)

Eryn Rebol

FRESHMAN

HometownCottonwood, CAHigh SchoolRed Bluff Union HS

MajorUndecided

Amanda Tamanaha

FRESHMAN

HometownHonolulu, HIHigh SchoolSt. Andrews Priory

MajorUndecided

PAGE 16


Alisha Till

FRESHMAN

HometownRichland, WAHigh SchoolRichland HS

MajorUndecided

Sally Venable

SOPHOMORE

HometownVentura, CAHigh SchoolFoothill Technology HS

MajorUndecidedPersonal Best20:30.08(5k), 24:41.00(6k)

Maya Velez

SENIOR

HometownOakland, CAHigh SchoolSkyline HS

MajorExercise SciencePersonal Best18:35.62(5k), 23:24.94(6k)

Hannah Vietmeier

SENIOR

HometownShoreline, WAHigh SchoolShorewood HS

MajorBiologyPersonal Best18:21.35(5k), 22:57.62(6k)

Amercian Family Insurance


Women’s Cross Country Team HistoryWomen's 5000m 1 Sarah Zerzan 16:49.4 20062 Maddie Coffman 17:18.68 20083 Kara Crisifulli 17:27.0 19854 Beth Fitzgerald 17:28.8 19995 Danya Rumore 17:36.9 20046 Jena Winger 17:55.5 20077 Kari Holbert 17:57.4 20048 Nattalie Wright 18:13.8 20009 Liz Rodda 18:20.7 200110 Kristen Peterson 18:22.0 1986

Women's 6000m 1 Sarah Zerzan 20:32.7 20062 Maddie Coffman 21:05.8 20073 Danya Rumore 21:28.3 20044 Jena Winger 21:37.0 20085 Kari Holbert 21:41.9 20036 Elizabeth Hart 22:14.9 20067 Natalie Muren 22:25.0 20038 Carly Killam 22:27.5 20079 Ashley Sharratt 22:28.3 200710 Edith Polanco 22:30.6 2007

NCAA West Region Champions (5)2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

NCAA West Region Individual Champions (4)Sarah Zerzan (2005, 2006, 2007)Maddie Coffman (2008)

NCAA All Americans (8)Sarah Zerzan (2005, 2006, 2007)Maddie Coffman (2007, 2008)Kari Holbert (2003, 2004)Beth Fitzgerald (1999)

NWC Team Champions (8)2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,2006, 2007, 2008

NWC Individual Champions (7)Maddie Coffman (2008)Sarah Zerzan (2006, 2007)Kari Holbert (2002)Beth Fitzgerald (1999)Kara Crisifulli (1984, 1985)

Maddie Coffman

All-American2007, 2008

Sarah ZerzanNWC Champion2006, 2007

NCAARegional Champion2005, 2006, 2007

NCAANational Champion2006, 2007

All-American2005, 2006, 2007

Northwest Conference Titles

NCAA Titles and Awards

PAGE 18


2008 Season Review The women’s team, led by senior Maddie Coffman, won their fifth consecutive Northwest Conference Championship. Coffman won the individual title at the NWC Championship Meet and teammate Jena Winger (Sr.) finished second. For Willamette, Coffman and Winger received First Team All-NWC recognition, while Tina Patel (So.) and Molly Lewis (Jr.) were Second Team All-NWC. The women won the team title by a margin of 35 points over Whitworth and Whitman. Josh Clough (Sr.) led the way for the men at the NWC Championships with a fifth place finish and First Team All-NWC status. Kyle Kotaich (Jr.) crossed the line in eighth place. Ryan McLaughlin (So.) and Leo Castillo (Fr.) finished in ninth and 13th place to earn Second Team All-NWC honors along with Kotaich. The men’s team finished in second place in the NWC

behind Whitworth University. At regionals, four Bearcats women received All-Region honors. Coffman led the way by winning the individual women’s title. Patel, Lewis and Edith Polanco (Sr.) also earned All-Region status. The women finished third at regionals. All seven runners on Willamette’s regional squad for the men’s team earned All-Region recognition as the team finished in third place overall. Clough was WU’s top finisher at the West Regional, as he placed 14th. Kotaich finished in 15th place and Nick Rebol (So.) in 17th place. Additional All-Region honors went to Stefan Redfield (So.) in 19th place, Castillo in 22nd place, McLaughlin in 25th place and Kyle Jackson (Fr.) in 34th place.

Coffman ended her season in fashion at the NCAA Division III Cross Country National Championships were she finished fourth out of 279 runners to earn All-America honors for the second year in a row. Coffman’s finish helped the women achieve a 15th place finish in the team standings. The men’s team placed 27th at the National Championships. WU’s top finisher was Clough with a 120th finish.


but WU has added something extra: an equally im-portant focus outside the classroom. Attending col-lege should be fun, inspiring and at times invigorat-ing. It should challenge you and make you laugh. At WU, the student-faculty ratio of 11:1 allows faculty members to maintain ample office hours and to serve as advisors. WU’s professors are engaged in scholarly research and publish their findings, but they are primarily focused on teaching. The University is selective and seeks serious and talented students. The average first-year stu-dent has a 3.74 GPA, an SAT score of 1240 and an ACT score of 27. Enrollment at the undergraduate level is 1,943, with a total enrollment of 2,628. About 95

Willamette University, founded in 1842 as the first university in the West, covers 61 acres in Sa-lem, Ore. Willamette merges its beautiful residential campus with the benefits of a downtown location in the State Capital. At Willamette, faculty and staff care about the overall success of each student, so the focus is not only on quality experiences in the classroom, but also on social and cultural develop-ment. Students are expected to work hard in their academic endeavors and to be active members of the Salem area and their home communities. Willamette is proud of the academic accom-plishments and well-rounded lives of its students. At WU, students have found an ideal match between

Historic Waller Hall (left) and Eaton Hall are seen from across the campus quad.

the demands of a rigorous academic program and the ability to participate in a variety of athletic, so-cial and community activities. They exemplify the University motto: “Not unto ourselvesalone are we born.” This motto is put into action locally and throughout the world. At Willamette, you can study abroad or be locally involved in social and environmental issues. Willamette students are concerned about maintaining the natural beauty of Oregon and are also dedicated to improving the lives of others. Willamette ranks among the country’s most academically respected colleges and universities,

About the First University in the West

PAGE 20


Top: Students study together in the Mark O. Hatfield Library; Bottom: The Mill Stream is a great place to play catch or relax with friends.

percent of Willamette students receive financial aid and scholarships. Many continue their education in graduate or professional school. Willamette’s endowment is consistently among the largest in the Northwest and compares favorably on a national basis. The campus features 42 build-ings, plus the Campus Quad, athletic fields and other open spaces. Construction is underway on Ford Hall, which will include Rhetoric and Media Studies, Computer Science, Math, Digital Art, Film Studies and Music Technology. Funds for the 46,000-square-foot build-ing included an $8 million gift from Hallie Ford. Willamette benefits from its location across the street from the Oregon State Capitol and from being near other federal, state, county, and city offices. In particular, Willamette students are often chosen for internships with government organizations.

Quality Academics

Student-Athletes are more than1/4 of the student body

Competition in the NCAAand the Northwest Conference

Student-Faculty Ratio of 11:1

Students from 44 States and26 Foreign Countries

Opportunity to Study Abroad

Located across the streetfrom the Oregon State Capitol

Near the Pacific Coast and theCascade Mountains

Salem, the capital city of Oregon as well as the second largest city in the state, lies in the center of the lush Willamette River valley, 47 miles South of Portland. Salem is located an hour from the Cascade Mountains to the east and an hour from the ocean beaches to the west. The population is about 147,000 and is growing each year at an average rate of 1.5 percent. Trips to the Oregon coast, the Cascade and Coast Mountain ranges, as well as vineyards and high desert areas offer a variety of experiences. The varied terrain within 60 minutes of Salem provides some of the most beautiful scenes in the Pacific Northwest. Salem has many restaurants, places to shop, historic sites and museums. Several parks and the historic district are within walking distance of Willamette. Salem has a farmers market that offer local produce, and the city hosts the Salem Arts Fair and the OregonState Fair each year.

The City of Salem, OregonWhy Choose Willamette


The Charles Bowles Track, located inside McCulloch Stadium, is an all-weather facility that showcases the finish line when Willamette University is the host for cross country meets. In 2009, Willamette will host the 35th Annual Charles Bowles Invitational, plus the Grass Course Meet and the NCAA West Regional. The track also is home to WU’s highly-regarded track and field teams. Ogdahl Field at McCulloch Stadium is the home field for the Willamette football team. It is one of the top NCAA Division III facilities in the Northwest. It has the atmosphere of an old stadium, but has a FieldTurf playing surface, spacious locker rooms and meeting rooms. Located near McCulloch Stadium is Roy S. “Spec” Keene Stadium at John Lewis Field, the home of Bearcat baseball. The stadium features chairback

seating in part of the grandstand and an overall capacity of 1,000. The entire football, track, cross country and baseball complex is adjacent to Bush’s Pasture Park. The park hosts cross country meets on its wide paths and also is known for its art exhibits, rose garden, trees and expanses of open land. McCulloch Stadium is located two blocks from the Willamette campus. The stadium seats about 2,400 fans, has lights to allow for events at night, and features a state-of-the-art scorebaord with a video display. It also includes an athletic training room, which allows athletes to receive on-site attention and treatment. Located in the Lestle J. Sparks Center on the main campus are offices for the Department of Athletics, classrooms and basketball courts. The Sparks Center also includes the offices of the Department of Exercise Science, plus locker rooms, handball and racquetball courts, and a weight lifting and fitness center. Attached to the Sparks Center is Cone Field House, where men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball play. The arena seats 2,500 fans. Also connected to the Sparks Center is the WU natatorium, home of Bearcat swimming. The natatorium, with space for 200 fans, also may be seen from a viewing area in the lobby. Near the Sparks Center is Sparks Field, an artificial turf facility for men’s and women’s soccer. Sparks Field is equipped with lights for night games and seats 500 spectactors. Close to Sparks Center are the softball field and six tennis courts. The softball field includes dugouts, batting cages and bleachers. Tennis hosts matches each spring. The WU men’s and women’s golf teams usually practice at Illahe Hills Country Club or Creekside Golf Club. Members of the men’s and women’s rowing teams have their own boathouse and hold workouts on the Willamette River in downtown Salem.

Athletic Facilities

Competitors and fans at the Willamette Cross Country Invitational, gather near the finish line at the Charles Bowles Track.

PAGE 22


Dr. M. Lee Pelton was appointed the 22nd president of Willamette University in July, 1999. Under Pelton’s leadership, the University has increased its academic profile, successfully employing strategies to attract the best faculty and the brightest students from the state, the nation and the world. Since 2001, Willamette University has been ranked a top tier liberal arts college by U.S. News and World Report. President Pelton holds a doctorate from Harvard University and an undergraduate degree

in English and psychology from Wichita State University, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1974. His area of academic focus is century British prose and poetry. He served as dean of the college at Colgate University (1988-91) and Dartmouth College (1991-98). At Harvard, he taught in the English Department and was the dean of one of Harvard’s 13 undergraduate colleges.

Mark Majeski began his tenure with Willamette University in October of 2000, following five years as athletic director at the University of California, Santa Cruz and four years as assistant athletic director at Menlo College. He currently serves as the chairman of the NCAA Division III membership committee, which provides oversight of the Division III provisional member program. Majeski also worked venue

management and operations for the 1994 FIFA Men’s Soccer World Cup and the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. At WU, Majeski oversees 20 varsity teams, with the Bearcats competing in NCAA Division III, the Northwest Conference and the Intercollegiate Rowing Association. Majeski received an undergraduate degree in journalism from Menlo College and a master’s degree in higher education administration from San Jose State University. He lives in Salem with his wife, Denise, and their son, Jack Henry, age 5.

Dr. M. Lee Pelton President

Mark Majeski Director of Athletics

Faculty Athletic Rep. Dr. Julianne AbendrothAssociate Athletic Director Dr. R. Skip KenitzerAssistant Athletic Director Judy GordonHead Athletic Trainer Shane Wibel, ATCAssistant Athletic Trainer Erin Scharer, ATCAssistant Athletic Trainer Ken Smith, ATCAthletics Comm. Director Robert McKinneyAssistant Comm. Director Sara BrooksAdministrative Assistant Leslie Wright

Admin. StaffBaseballAaron Swick ................. (503) 370-6011Men’s BasketballKip Ioane ...................... (503) 370-6063Women’s BasketballAnne Lapray ................. (503) 370-6132Cross Country/Track & FieldMatt McGuirk .............. (503) 370-6898FootballMark Speckman ........... (503) 375-5350Men’s GolfNoah Horstman ........... (503) 370-6867Women’s GolfNoah Horstman ........... (503) 370-6867RowingSusan Parkman ............ (503) 370-6655Men’s SoccerNelson Larson .............. (503) 375-5428Women’s SoccerHillary Arthur ............... (503) 370-6657SoftballDamian Williams ......... (503) 370-6656SwimmingLeslie Shevlin ............... (503) 370-6601Men’s TennisToby Krauel .................. (503) 370-6841Women’s TennisBecky Roberts .............. (503) 370-6804VolleyballTom Shoji ..................... (503) 370-6230

Head Coaching Staff


To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the giftPAGE 24


To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift


DATE EVENT/OPPONENT LOCATIONSep. 11 Pier Park Portland, OR University of Portland Pier ParkSep. 18 Willamette Grass Course Salem, OR Willamette University Bush ParkOct. 3 Charles Bowles Invitational Salem, OR Willamette University Bush ParkOct. 16 Mike Hodges Invitational Oregon City, OR Clackamas CC Oct. 24 Beaver Classic Corvallis, OR Oregon State Avery ParkOct. 31 NWC Championships Estacada, OR Lewis & Clark College McIver ParkNov. 14 NCAA West Regional Claremont, CA Pomona-Pitzer Prado ParkNov .21 NCAA Championships Cleveland, OH Baldwin-Wallace College

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2009 Cross Country Media Guide

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