welcome to Minnesota cross country
Quick Facts
2009 Schedule
Founded: 1851 Location: Minneapolis, Minn. Enrollment: 50,803 (27,108 undergraduate) Nickname: Golden Gophers Colors: Maroon and Gold Affiliation: NCAA Division I Conference: Big Ten University President: Robert H. Bruininks Faculty Athletics Representatives: Linda Brady, Perry Leo Athletics Director: Joel Maturi Home Course: Univ. of Minnesota Les Bolstad Golf Course Head Coach: Steve Plasencia (14th season) Volunteer Assistant Coach: Jason Rengo Strength Coach: Cal Dietz Athletic Trainer: Jeff Winslow Administrative Specialist: Jo Rider Office Phone: (612) 625-6063 Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 7 / 2
Date Sept. 5 Sept. 11 Sept. 27 Oct. 17 Oct. 17 Nov. 1 Nov. 6 Nov. 14 Nov. 23
Table of Contents 2009 Season Outlook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2009 Team Photo and Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Athlete Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-10 Head Coach Steve Plasencia and Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-14 The University of Minnesota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-C University Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D Land of 10,000 Lakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E The Twin Cities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-G Twin Cities Sports Scene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H-I University Intercollegiate Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .J-K Athletics Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .L-M Academic Counseling and Student Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .N Student-Athlete Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .O Athletics Director Joel Maturi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 University President Robert H. Bruininks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 2008 Season in Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 2008 Season Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Griak Invitational . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 All-Americans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36-37 Minnesota at the NCAA Championships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38-40 Awards & Honors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41-42 All-Time Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Meet St. Olaf Opener Oz Memorial Run (5:45 p.m.) Roy Griak Invitational (12:10 p.m.) Pre-NCAA Meet Jim Drews Invitational Big Ten Championships St. John’s Fall Finale NCAA Midwest Region Championships NCAA Championships
Location Northfield, Minn. Falcon Heights, Minn. Falcon Heights, Minn. Terre Haute, Ind. West Salem, Wis. State College, Pa. Collegeville, Minn. Springfield, Mo. Terre Haute, Ind.
Home meet in bold are held at the Les Bolstad Cross Country Course. The 2009 Minnesota Men’s Cross Country Media Guide is published by the University of Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Communications Office. Additional copies may be purchased for $8 (shipping & handling included) by sending a check made payable to the University of Minnesota and mailing to: University of Minnesota Athletic Communications 244 Bierman Field Athletic Building 516 15th Ave. SE Minneapolis, Minn. 55455 For more information, please contact the Athletic Communications Office at: Phone: (612) 625-4090 Fax: (612) 625-0359 Email: gophers@umn.edu
Credits The 2009 Minnesota Men’s Cross Country Media Guide was written and compiled by Becky Bohm. Layout and design by Sara Berhow. Covers by Jeff Keiser. Photography: Eric Miller, Chris Mitchell, Mark Howery, Brad Person, Alicia Jerome, Walt Middleton, Anissa Lightner, Patrick O’Leary, David Sherman, Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, Big Ten Network, Sarah Hesser.
Printing: University of Minnesota Printing Services. Special thanks to Bob Swoverland and the staff at University of Minnesota Printing Services. The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.
GOLDEN GOPHER ATHLETICS MISSION STATEMENT To serve as a window to the University, in an environment of integrity and equity, that enables student-athletes to achieve excellence in their academic and athletic pursuits.
Athletic Communications Cross country contact: Becky Bohm Office Phone: 612-624-1023 Cell Phone: 612-247-5463 Email: bohmx002@umn.edu Director of Athletic Communications: Garry Bowman Associate Directors: Becky Bohm, Andy Seeley, Matt Slieter Assistant Directors: Sara Berhow, Steve Geller, Jim Strick, Michelle Traen Graduate Intern: Pat McCabe Creative Director: Jeff Keiser Assistant Creative Director: Chris Lagasse Director of Internet Services: John Romo Director of Photography: Eric Miller
www.gophersports.com
1 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
season outlook
2009
SEASON PREVIEW The 2009 Minnesota men’s cross country team will be an interesting mix between the veterans and youngsters, the experienced runners and the rookies. For the Golden Gophers to find success this season, both groups will have to play their roles and fulfill their potential. The outcome could very well be one of the most exciting seasons in Minnesota history. As head coach Steve Plasencia enters his 14th season at the helm of his alma mater, he will once again have the luxury of building the Maroon and Gold roster around a returning Big Ten Conference champion and All-American in Hassan Mead. The individual conference cross country crown was the first of five Big Ten titles Mead captured in his sophomore season, adding four track titles in the spring. “Hassan is a great athlete and is becoming a solid team leader as well,” said Plasencia. “We obviously need him up front for our team to do well this season, but it will take team depth as well. I’m excited about our team overall. We are setting the bar pretty high.” Mead, a junior, and senior Matt Barrett will serve as team captains this fall. The Gophers return seven letterwinners from the 2008 squad that finished 15th at the NCAA Cross Country Championships. The roster also includes five redshirt freshmen and five true freshmen, who will battle for instrumental spots on the traveling roster this season.
The duo stepped up in the Gophers’ championship portion of the season a year ago, especially in the 10-kilometer races of the NCAA Midwest Region Championships and NCAA Championships, where Blankenship and Barrett finished third and fourth in Minnesota’s lineup. Both captured AllNCAA Midwest Region honors and Barrett was one spot (15th) from earning All-Big Ten acclaim. Blankenship went on to earn his first NCAA Track Championships appearance in the 1,500 meters during the track season in the spring. All-NCAA Midwest Region performers Mike McFarland and Mike Torchia return for their junior seasons. McFarland was the Gophers’ number-five finisher at the NCAA meet a year ago and earned his second all-region honor. Torchia continues his struggle with injuries and may miss the 2009 season. Sophomore Sean Olson completes the list of returning letterwinners for the Gophers. Olson worked his way into the mix and traveled to the NCAA meets as a team alternate. The top finish of his redshirt freshman season was running to the number-five spot for the Gophers at the Big Ten Championships. Pieter Gagnon and Kevin Lachowitzer lead the pack of redshirt freshmen who will be looked upon to make an impact this season for the Gophers. Among the true freshmen, Steve Sulkin and Derek Storkel may contribute early in their Gopher careers.
The Gophers also need to find a replacement for Chris Rombough, Minnesota’s first and only three-time career cross country All-American. These are big shoes to fill but junior Ben Blankenship and Barrett are leading candidates.
Ben Blankenship
2 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
Hassan Mead
athlete biographies
2009 Minnesota Golden Gophers Row 1 (L-R): Paul Hilsen, Drew Paradis, Hassan Mead, David Krueger, Derek Storkel. Row 2: Jason Rengo (Volunteer Assistant Coach), Kevin Lachowitzer, Andy Richardson, Nick Hutton, Joe McFarland, Travis Burkstrand, Steve Sulkin, Steve Plasencia (Head Coach). Row 3: Mike McFarland, Pieter Gagnon, Erik Truedson, Andrew Larson, Matt Barrett, Ben Blankenship, Sean Olson, Matthew Volz.
Team
ROSTER Name Matt Barrett Ben Blankenship Travis Burkstrand Pieter Gagnon Paul Hilsen Nick Hutton David Krueger Kevin Lachowitzer Andrew Larson Joe McFarland Mike McFarland Hassan Mead Sean Olson Drew Paradis Andy Richardson Derek Storkel Steve Sulkin Mike Torchia Erik Truedson Matthew Volz
Yr. Sr. Jr. RFr. RFr. So. RFr. Sr. RFr. Fr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Fr. RFr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. So.
Exp. 3V # 1V # RS RS SQ RS SQ RS HS SQ 2V # 2V # 1V # HS RS HS HS 2V # HS HS
Hometown (High School/College) Monroe, Wis. (Monroe) Stillwater, Minn. (Stillwater/Mississippi State) Apple Valley, Minn. (Eastview) Minneapolis, Minn. (Washburn) Lakeville, Minn. (Lakeville South) Burnsville, Minn. (Apple Valley) Perham, Minn. (Perham) Perham, Minn. (Perham) Glen Ellyn, Ill. (Marmion Academy) Hartland, Wis. (Arrowhead) Hartland, Wis. (Arrowhead) Minneapolis, Minn. (South) Menomonie, Wis. (Menomonie) Alexandria, Minn. (Jefferson) New Brighton, Minn. (Irondale) Tomah, Wis. (Tomah) Elmhurst, Ill. (York) Rochester, Minn. (Lourdes) Bemidji, Minn. (Bemidji) Lakeville, Minn. (Lakeville North)
Head Coach: Steve Plasencia (14th season) Volunteer Assistant Coach: Jason Rengo Administrative Assistant: Roy Griak Key: V - Varsity Letters; HS - High School; SQ - Squad Member; RS - Redshirt, TR - Transfer * - Captains, # - Lettered in 2008
3 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
athlete biographies
Hassan Mead junior all-american 6-2 • 142 Minneapolis, Minn. South High School
Golden Gopher Career Notes: A fivetime All-American in his Minnesota career, twice in cross country (2007, 2008) and three times in track (2008 outdoor, 2009 indoor, 2009 outdoor) • All-American on the track in 3,000 meters indoors (2009) and a two-time awardwinner in 5,000 meters (2008 and 2009) • 2009 NCAA Midwest Region champion in the 5,000 meters • 2009 Big Ten Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year • the first Gopher to win five individual event Big Ten titles in an academic year (2008-09; cross country, 3,000m indoor, 5,000m indoor, 5,000 outdoor, 10,000m outdoor) • led Gophers to indoor/outdoor sweep of Big Ten team track titles • 2009 Outdoor Track Athlete of the Championships • 2009 All-Big Ten First Team for indoor and outdoor track • 2008 Big Ten cross country and NCAA Midwest Region individual champion • named the 2009 Big Ten Cross Country Athlete of the Year • 2008 Big Ten champion in outdoor 5,000 meters • 2008 All-Big Ten First Team outdoor, All-Big Ten Second Team indoor • 2007 BIg Ten cross country runner-up • All-Big Ten First Team and All-Midwest Region in cross country • 2007 Big Ten Cross Country Freshman of the Year • two-time Gopher cross country co-MVP • school cross country record holder over an 8-kilometer course (23:33.1) • owns three school records on the track: indoor 3,000 meters (7:56.15), indoor 5,000 meters (13:58.16) and outdoor 5,000 meters (13:28.45) • placed 18th in the 5,000 meters (14:07.44) at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials. 2008 • Sophomore Season: AllAmerica • the Gophers’ number-two runner on the squad that finished 15th at the NCAA Championships • captured All-America acclaim with a 31st-place finish (30:06.2) • won the NCAA Midwest Region (31:15.65) and Big Ten (24:26.4) individual titles • NCAA Midwest Region and Big Ten Runner of the Year • All-Big Ten First Team • finished third in Pre-NCAA meet with a time of 23:33.1, the fastest 8-kilometer time in school history • placed second (24:07.4) in the Griak Invitational • cowinner of the team’s MVP honor, the Fred O. Watson Award with Chris Rombough • earned his second varsity letter.
4 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
2007 • Freshman Season: All-America • the first freshman cross country AllAmerican in Gopher history • placed 43rd at the NCAA Championships (30:37.6) • the Gophers’ second finisher on the squad that placed eighth overall • All-Midwest Region honoree • Midwest Region runner-up, covering the 10K course in 29:57 • Big Ten runner-up (23:47.70) • All-Big Ten First Team • 2007 Big Ten Freshman of the Year • competed in six meets • the Gophers’ top finisher at Midwest Region and Big Ten meet, second finisher in the others • clocked season-best 8K time of 23:45.0, placing 20th at the Pre-NCAA Meet • finished sixth (24.40.1) at his first career Roy Griak Invitational • shared team MVP honor, the Fred O. Watson Award, with Chris Rombough • varsity letterwinner. On the Track: Will be junior in 2010 • a three-time track All-American, once in 3,000 meters and twice in 5,000 meters • a five-time Big Ten champion • won 2008 and 2009 Big Ten titles in outdoor 5,000 meters • 2009 Big Ten Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year • two-time varsity letterwinner. High School: A 2007 graduate of Minneapolis South High School • coach was Mark Gross • Minnesota Class AA cross country champion in 2006 running a state record time of 15:10.7 (5K) • finished fourth (15:28) at the 2006 Foot Locker Cross Country Nationals • won Foot Locker Midwest Region title • a four-time all-state performer on the track • state runner-up in 3,200 meters (9:03.29) in 2007, third in 2006 • placed sixth in the 1,600m as both a junior and senior (4:14.17) • finished fifth in the 2 mile run at the 2007 Nike Outdoor Nationals with a time of 8:51.23, the third-best time in Minnesota high school history. Personal: Born June 28, 1989 • physical therapy major • son of Yausuf Mead and Deka Sahal • has a younger sister Hana • enjoys playing basketball.
MEAD’S TOP TIMES Year Event Time 2007 8K 23:45.0 10K 29:57 2008 8K 23:33.1 10K 30:06.2
Meet/Date Pre-NCAA (10/13) NCAA Midwest (11/10) Pre-NCAA (10/18) NCAA Championships (11/24)
athlete biographies Matt
Ben
Travis
Senior 5-9 • 135 Monroe, Wis. Monroe H.S.
Junior 5-10 • 135 Stillwater, Minn. Stillwater H.S.
Redshirt Freshman 5-11 • 160 Apple Valley, Minn. Eastview H.S.
BARRETT
Golden Gopher Career Notes: A 2008 All-NCAA Midwest Region honoree • 2009 team captain. 2008 • Junior Season: All-Midwest Region • helped Gophers to a 15th-place showing at NCAA Championships • the team’s number-four runner (31:23.6), 160th overall, at NCAA meet • earned all-region accord with a 19th-place finish (31:40.60) at NCAA Midwest Region Championships • Gophers’ number-three runner (25:01.4), 15th overall, at Big Ten meet • placed 35th (25:13.0) in Griak Invitational • ran in four meets • an Academic All-Big Ten honoree • earned third varsity letter. 2007 • Sophomore Season: A member of the Gophers’ Big Ten Championships lineup • placed 45th overall in a time of 25:03.90 • competed in three meets • the Gophers’ fourth finisher, 22nd overall, at the Roy Griak Invitational (25:01.6) • Academic All-Big Ten honoree • earned second varsity letter. 2006 • Redshirt Freshman Season: Competed in three meets • earned a roster spot on the Gophers’ NCAA Midwest Region Championships lineup • finished 49th overall (32:18.24) and sixth on the team • the Gophers’ numberthree runner, 25th overall (25:23), at the Griak Invitational • varsity letterwinner. 2005 • Freshman Season: Redshirted the season. On the Track: Will be senior in 2010 • competed in 2009 Big Ten indoor meet in the 3,000 meters • varsity letterwinner. High School: A 2005 graduate of Monroe High School • high school coach was Dave Hirsbrunner • two-time all-state performer in cross country • led the Cheesemakers to a fourth-place finish at the 2004 Wisconsin Cross Country State Meet • placed third individually covering the 5K course in 15:58.4 • 2004 Wisconsin Cross Country Coaches All-State First Team • placed 25th at state meet as a junior • led team to Badger South Conference titles as a junior and senior • missed 2005 state track meet with a stress fracture to his left leg • placed third (Chris Rombough first) at the prestigious 2005 Gerry Lindgren Invitational in Salt Lake City, an invitational of the nation’s top high school 2-milers • two-time all-state as a junior • placed seventh in the 3,200-meter run (9:35.32) and third as a member of the 4x800-meter relay.
BLANKENSHIP
Golden Gopher Career Notes: A 2008 All-NCAA Midwest Region honoree • NCAA Track Championships competitor in 1,500 meters • a 2009 All-Big Ten Second Team as a member of the distance medley relay • a two-time NCAA all-region honoree in cross country • ranks fifth in Gopher history on the top-10 list in the mile (4:04.43) and 1,500 meters (3:42.47). 2008 • Sophomore Season: All-Midwest Region • member of Gophers’ 15th-place NCAA squad • the Gophers’ numberthree runner at NCAA and NCAA Midwest Region Championships • finished 100th (30:55.1) in NCAA meet • earned all-region honors with 12th-place finish (31:28.45) • team’s fifth runner (25:16.3), 25th overall, at Big Ten Championships • ran a season-best time of 24:47.8 at PreNCAA Meet • finished 63rd (25:31.8) in Griak Invitational • varsity letterwinner. On the Track: Will be sophomore indoor and junior outdoor in 2010 • 2009 NCAA Championships competitor in the 1,500 meters • varsity letterwinner.
BURKSTRAND
2008 • Freshman Season: Redshirted the season. On the Track: Will be a redshirt freshman on the Gopher track team in 2010. High School: A 2008 graduate of Eastview High School • high school coach was Tom Sharp • a four-time all-state performer in cross country and track • placed 19th overall in the 2007 Minnesota Class AA Cross Country Championships leading Eastview to a fifth-place finish • finished 25th as a junior • earned all-state honors in the 800 meters in 2008 with a seventh-place finish (1:53.15) • also a member of the seventhplace 4x800-meter relay as a senior • earned four letters in cross country and track, one in hockey • graduated with high honors. Personal: Born July 22, 1989 • intends to architecture • son of Dave Burkstrand and Anne Flohavan • has siblings Andrew and Kenze • enjoys art and snowboarding.
At Mississippi State: An All-NCAA South Region honoree in cross country in 2007, placing 25th (31:42.83) in the NCAA South Region Championships • placed 23rd at the 2007 Southeastern Conference Championships • named to the 2007 SEC All-Freshman Team • ran season-best 8K time of 24:15 at the Pre-NCAA Meet • competed in seven meets for the Bulldogs, finishing among Mississippi State’s top two finishers six times • clocked season-best times in two events at the 2008 SEC Outdoor Track & Field Championships, 3:51.45 in the prelims of the 1,500-meter run and 14:25.94 in the 5,000 meters. High School: A 2007 graduate of Stillwater High School • coach was Scott Christensen • won Minnesota Class AA crowns in the 1,600 meters as a junior (2006) and senior (2007) • added a third-place finish in the 3,200-meter run in 2006 • finished sixth as a junior in the 2005 Minnesota Class AA Cross Country Championships, leading Stillwater to a second-place finish. Personal: Born Dec. 15, 1989 • undecided on a major • parents are Richard and Patricia Blankenship. Blankenship’s Top Times Year Event Time 2008 8K 24:47.8 10K 30:55.1
Meet/Date Pre-NCAA, 10/18 NCAA Champ., 11/24
Personal: Born Oct. 4, 1986 • statistics major • son of James and Julie Barrett • has two younger siblings, Michael and Taylor. Barrett’s Top Times Year Event Time 2006 8K 25:23 10K 32:18.24 2007 8K 25:01.6 2008 8K 25:01.4 10K 31:23.6
Meet/Date Griak Inv., 9/23 NCAA Regional, 11/11 Griak Inv., 9/29 Big Ten Champ., 11/2 NCAA Champ., 11/24
Matt Barrett
5 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
athlete biographies Pieter
Paul
David
Redshirt Freshman 6-0 • 145 Minneapolis, Minn. Washburn H.S.
Sophomore 6-2 • 155 Lakeville, Minn. Lakeville South H.S.
Senior 6-1 • 165 Perham, Minn. Perham H.S.
GAGNON
2008 • Freshman Season: Redshirted the season. On the Track: Will be a redshirt freshman on the Gopher track team in 2010.
HILSEN
2008 • Redshirt Freshman Season: Competed in five meets • the Gophers’ number-two runner, 22nd overall, at the Jim Drews Invitational with a time of 25:41.8. 2007 • Freshman Season: Redshirted the season.
High School: A 2008 graduate of Washburn High School • high school coaches were Noelle Palmer and Sarah Gusafson • placed third (15:44.5, 5K) at the 2007 Minnesota Class AA Cross Country Championships • 2007 sectional and Minneapolis City Conference medalist • clocked a personal best of 15:37, placing 19th at the 2007 Foot Locker Midwest Region Championship • placed 22nd in state meet as a junior, 90th as a sophomore • two-time all-state honoree his senior track season • placed third in the 3,200-meter run (9:21.81) and eighth in the 1,600 meters (4:24.15) • competed in both those events at state as a junior • graduated second in his class. Personal: Born Oct. 13, 1989 • intends to major in mechanical engineering • son of James Gagnon and Rebecca Fillmore • has one brother, Charles • enjoys videography.
On the Track: Will be a sophomore on the Gopher track team in 2010. High School: A 2006 graduate of Lakeville South High School • high school coaches were Jessica Just and Jazz Sommers • a five-time all-state honoree in high school cross country/track career • placed 17th (16:02.4) and helped team to a sixth-place finish at the 2006 Minnesota Class AA meet • placed 24th as a junior and 42nd as a sophomore • captured all-state honors as a junior and senior (4:11.85) in the 1,600 meters • ran anchor on fourth-place 4x800m relay as a sophomore as team placed second • placed 13th in the mile at the 2007 Nike Outdoor Nationals in a time of 4:11.04, the seventh-best time in Minnesota high school history • also competed in Nordic skiing • an honor student. Personal: Born Dec. 3, 1988 • mechanical engineering major • son of Dave and Debbie Hilsen • is the oldest of five children with siblings: Nicole, John, Amy and Brock • enjoys camping and sailing.
KRUEGER
2008 • Junior Season: Competed in two races • finished 21st with a season-best time of 27:32. 2007 • Sophomore Season: Ran in two meets • posted top time of 28:03.1 to place 28th at the St. John’s Fall Finale • an Academic All-Big Ten honoree. 2006 • Redshirt Freshman Season: Competed in two meets • finished 20th in the St. John’s Fall Finale (27:41). 2005 • Redshirted the season. On the Track: Will be a senior on the Gopher track team in 2010 • competes in the 800 meters. High School: A 2005 graduate of Perham High School • high school coach was Jeff Morris • led Perham to a pair of runner-up finishes at the 2003 and 2004 Minnesota Class A State Cross Country Meets • placed 30th as a senior (17:14.0) and 41st as a junior (16:53.1) • state track champion in the 4x800-meter relay in 2005 • placed third in the 800-meters as both a junior and senior • holds Perham school records in 800m, 4x400m relay and 4x800m relay • also lettered in basketball • member of the National Honor Society. Personal: Born Dec. 14, 1986 • sports management major • son of Alan and Laurie Krueger • has one older sister, Katie.
Nick
HUTTON Redshirt Freshman 5-10 • 155 Burnsville, Minn. Apple Valley H.S.
2008 • Freshman Season: Redshirted the season. On the Track: Will be a redshirt freshman on the Gopher track team in 2010. High School: A 2008 graduate of Apple Valley High School • high school coach was Chuck Scanlon • three-time all-state performer in his senior track season • anchored the 2008 Minnesota Class AA champion 4x800-meter relay that clocked an all-class state record of 7:45.31 • placed fifth in the 800 meters (1:53.08) and anchored eighth-place 4x400-meter relay • 4x800m relay was 2007 runner-up • did not run cross country in high school • played soccer • all-state as a senior • scored five goals and 15 assists in 2007 helping team to a 19-2-2 record • helped soccer team to state title as a junior and a third-place finish as a senior • 2008 Apple Valley HS Male Athlete of the Year.
Paul Hilsen
6 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
Personal: Born Sept. 13, 1990 • intends to major in kinesiology • son of David and Dawn Hutton • has two brothers, both who play soccer at St. Thomas: Dan and twin brother Mike • uncle Rod Hutton lettered for the Gopher track team • hobbies include playing soccer and hanging out with friends.
Krueger’s Top Times Year Event Time 2006 8K 27:41 2007 8K 28:03.1 2008 8K 27:32
Meet/Date St. John’s Finale, 11/3 St. John’s Finale, 11/2 St. John’s Finale, 11/8
athlete biographies Kevin
LACHOWITZER
Joe M CFARLAND
Mike M CFARLAND
Redshirt Freshman 5-9 • 130 Perham, Minn. Perham H.S.
Junior 5-11 • 155 Hartland, Wis. Arrowhead H.S.
Junior 5-11 • 137 Hartland, Wis. Arrowhead H.S.
2008 • Freshman Season: Redshirted the season. On the Track: Will be a redshirt freshman on the Gopher track team in 2010. High School: A 2008 graduate of Perham High School • high school coach was Jeff Morris • led Perham to back-to-back Minnesota Class A cross country titles in 2006 and 2007 • 2007 state cross country individual titlist (15:54.9) • runnerup in 2008 • 15th as a sophomore when Perham finished fourth as a team • five-time all-state performer on the track • state runner-up in the 3,200 meters both his junior and senior seasons, sixth as a sophomore • placed third in the 1,600 meters in 2008, fourth in 2007 • four-time letterwinner in cross country and track • 2008 Perham Athlete of the Year • a member of the National Honor Society. Personal: Born April 11, 1989 • intends to major in engineering • son of Tim and Sheryl Lachwitzer • has an older brother, Jeff • enjoys fishing, hunting and camping.
Andrew
LARSON Freshman 5-11 • 133 Glen Ellyn, Ill. Marmoin Academy H.S.
High School: A 2009 of Marmion Academy • high school coach was Dan Billish • a two-time all-state runner in cross country • placed eighth in the Illinois Class 3A Cross Country Championships as a senior • earned all-state as a senior in track • placed fourth in the 3,200 meters (9:10.04) • also competed in the 1,600 meters • a four-time letterwinner in both cross country and track • an honor roll student.
2008 • Sophomore Season: Ran in four races • the Gophers’ fourth runner, 53rd overall, at Jim Drews Invitational in a season-best time of 26:14.5.
Golden Gopher Career Notes: A 2007 and 2008 NCAA AllMidwest Region performer • veteran of two NCAA Cross Country Championships.
2007 • Freshman Season: Competed in two meets • teamed with Seijen Takamura to the UW-River Falls 10K Relay • placed 13th (27:33.3) at the St. John’s Fall Finale.
2008 • Sophomore Season: An All-NCAA Midwest Region honoree • fifth finisher on Gophers’ 15th-place NCAA squad • placed 171st overall at NCAA meet with season-best 10K time of 31:27.0 • ran all-region honors with 24th-place finish I(31:56.85) at Midwest Region meet • finished 42nd overall (25:33.0) at Big Ten Championships • posted a season-best time of 25:06.8 in Pre-NCAA Meet • placed 36th (25:13.5) in Griak Invitational • team’s number-two runner, 19th overall, at Aztec Invitational • an Academic All-Big Ten honoree • earned second varsity letter.
On the Track: Will be a sophomore on the Gopher track team in 2010. High School: A 2007 graduate of Arrowhead High School • coach was Mike Mulrooney • a three-time all-state honoree, twice in track and once in cross country • placed 25th (16.38.2) at the 2007 Wisconsin Division 1 meet to earn honorable mention all-state acclaim • finished 34th in 2006 and 46th in 2005, helping team to a fourth and second-place showings, respectively • placed third in the 800 meters (1:53.57) at state meet as a senior, fifth as a sophomore • helped sprint medley relay to a third-place finsih at the 2007 Nike Outdoor Nationals • also competed in the 800m the Nike meet • four-time letterwinner in cross country and track. Personal: Born Feb. 21, 1989 • undecided on a major • son of Tom and Madonna McFarland • has a twin brother, Tim, and older brother Mike, a sophomore with the Gophers • enjoys watching movies, playing frisbee and riding rollercoasters. Joe McFarland’s Top Times Year Event Time 2007 8K 27:33.3 2008 8K 26:14.5
Personal: Born April 16, 1991 • undecided on a major • parents are Brad and Patty Larsen • has a younger brother Alec • enjoys fishing as a hobby.
Meet/Date St. John’s Finale, 11/2 Jim Drews Inv., 10/18
2007 • Redshirt Freshman Season: An All-NCAA Midwest Region honoree • placed 25th at the Midwest Region Championships, the fifth Gopher, in a time of 30:54 • a member of the Gophers’ squad that placed eighth at the NCAA Championships • the fifth Gopher finisher, 161st overall, at the NCAA meet (31:36.5) • placed 33rd overall, sixth on the team, at the Big Ten Championships (24:48.40) • scored for the Gophers as the fifth runner at the Pre-NCAA Meet with a season-best 8-kilometer time of 24:38.7 • placed 69th (25:54.5) at his first Griak Invitational • an Academic All-Big Ten selection • varsity letterwinner. 2006 • Freshman Season: Redshirted the season. On The Track: Will be a junior in 2010 • placed ninth in the 10,000 meters (31:19.23) at 2008 Big Ten Outdoor Championships • varsity letterwinner. High School: A 2006 graduate of Arrowhead High School • high school coaches were Mike Mulrooney and Mike Ray • three-time all-state in cross country • placed fifth as a senior, ninth as a junior • team was the Wisconsin Division I runner-up in 2002 and 2004 • Classic 8 cross country medalist as a senior • three-time all-state in track • third in 3,200m and seventh in 1,600m in 2006 • state runner-up in 4x800m relay (7:50.02), the third-fastest time in state history • five-time conference champion on the track • graduated with a 3.9 grade point average. Personal: Born Sept. 6, 1987 • actuarial science major • son of Tom and Madonna McFarland • has younger twin brothers, Joe and Tim • Joe is a redshirt freshman with the Gophers • enjoys playing frisbee and ping-pong and listening to music. Mike McFarland’s Top Times Year Event Time 2007 8K 24:38.7 10K 30:54 2008 8K 25:06.8 10K 31:27.0
Meet/Date Pre-NCAA Meet, 10/13 NCAA Regional, 11/10 Pre-NCAA Meet, 10/18 NCAA Champ., 11/24
Mike McFarland
7 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
athlete biographies Sean
Drew
Derek
Sophomore 5-10 • 135 Menomonie, Wis. Menomonie H.S.
Freshman 6-1 • 150 Alexandria, Minn. Jefferson H.S.
Freshman 6-2 • 155 Tomah, Wis. Tomah H.S.
OLSON
2008 • Redshirt Freshman Season: Competed in four meets • traveled as an alternate to NCAA Championships • the Gophers’ number-six runner (25:26.3), 31st overall, at the Big Ten Championships • the team’s fourth finisher at Pre-NCAA Meet with season-best time of 24:41.2 • varsity letterwinner. 2007 • Freshman Season: Redshirted the season. On the Track: Will be a sophomore on the Gopher track team in 2010. High School: A 2007 graduate of Menomonie High School • high school coaches were Adam Topper and Craig Olson • a two-time all-state honoree • the 2005 Wisconsin Division 1 runner-up (15:49.8) • placed eighth as a senior • the Big Rivers Conference cross country medalis • a two-time allstate performer on the track in 2007 • placed fourth in the 1,600 meters (4:15.65) and seventh in the 3,200 meters (9:26.39). Personal: Born Aug. 19, 1988 • undecided on a major • son of Tom and Kristie Olson • has older brother Ryan • enjoys watching movies. Olson’s Top Times Year Event Time 2008 8K 24:41.2
Meet/Date Pre-NCAA, 10/18
PARADIS
High School: A 2009 graduate of Jefferson High School • high school coaches were Mark Nelsen and Jerry Amundson • a two-time all-state runner in cross country • placed fifth in the Minnesota Class AA Championship as a senior, seventh as a junior • finished 33rd in the Foot Locker Midwest Region Championship • earned all-state honors as a senior in the 1,600 meters • competed at state meet three times in the 3,200 meters • lettered four times in cross country and track • also earned three letters in Nordic skiing.
High School: A 2009 graduate of Tomah High School • high school coaches were Bruce Luebke, Becky Banes and Eric Eswien • the 2008 Wisconsin Division 1 cross country champion (15:26.1) • runner-up in 2007, 13th in 2006 • placed 37th in the Foot Locker Midwest Region Championship • Mississippi Valley Runner of the Year as a junior and senior • four-time all-state honoree in track • state runner-up in the 1,600 meters (4:14.42) and third in 3,200 meters (9:10.73) as a senior • honor student.
Personal: Born Nov. 22, 1990 • intends to major in kinesiology • parents are Brett and Barbara Paradis • has an older sister Megan • enjoys waterskiing.
Personal: Born Feb. 13, 1991 • intends to major in kinesiology • parents are Ryan and Christine Storkel • has siblings Sam, Courtney and Samantha • hobbies include hunting and fishing.
Andy
RICHARDSON Redshirt Freshman 5-8 • 160 New Brighton, Minn. Irondale H.S.
On the Track: Will be a sophomore on the Gopher track team in 2010 • advanced to 2009 NCAA Midwest Region Championships in the 1,500 meters • varsity letterwinner.
Personal: Born Sept. 25, 1989 • undecided on a major • son of Mark and Lisa Richardson • has three other sisters: Anna, Maria and Becca • Anna (St. Benedict’s) and Maria (St. Thomas) played collegiate hockey • Becca plays club lacrosse at Pacific Lutheran • hobbies include fishing.
8 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
Steve
SULKIN Freshman 5-8 • 132 Elmhurst, Ill. York H.S.
2008 • Freshman Season: Redshirted the season.
High School: A 2008 graduate of Irondale High School • high coach was Jesse Abing • only ran one season of high school cross country • placed sixth (15:57.7) overall in the 2007 Minnesota Class AA Cross Country Championships • fourtime all-state performer in track • placed third in both the 800 (1:51.06) meters and 1,600 meters as a senior, second in 800m and third in 1,600m (4:10.78) as a junior • also lettered in hockey and football during his high school career • scored two last-second, game-winning goals the week he signed his NLI to attend Minnesota • a member of the National Honor Society.
Matt Barrett
STORKEL
High School: A 2009 graduate of York High School • high school coaches were Joe Newton and Stan Reddol • the Illinois 2009 Gatorade Runner of the Year • a three-time allstate runner in cross country • the Illinois Class 3A state runner-up as a senior (14:19) • placed fifth as a junior and 15th as a sophomore • team won state title in 2006, runner-up in 2007 and 2008 • placed 23rd in the 2008 Foot Locker National Championship • led York to state team track title in 2009 • state champion in the 3,200 meters (9:03.91) and third in 1,600 meters (4:13.35) as a senior • state runner-up in the 3,200 meters as a junior • ran high school bests of 9:01 in the 3,200m and 4:08 in 1,600m • earned three varsity letters in both cross country and track. Personal: Born May 6, 1991 • intends to major in math • parents are Jim and Meg Sulkin • has an older brother Mark, who runs at Loras College (Iowa), and a younger sister Julie.
athlete biographies Mike
Erik
Matthew
Junior 5-11 • 135 Rochester, Minn. Lourdes H.S.
Freshman 5-9 • 140 Bemidji, Minn. Bemidji H.S.
Sophomore 5-10 • 138 Lakeville, Minn. Lakeville South H.S.
TORCHIA
Career Highlights — A 2008 All-NCAA Midwest Region honoree. 2008 • Redshirt Sophomore Season: All-NCAA Midwest Region performer • number-seven runner on Gophers’ 15thplace NCAA Championships roster • finished 231st overall in NCAA meet (32:25.0) • earned all-region honors with a 20th-place finish (31:41.10) in the NCAA Midwest Region Championships • placed 13th in Big Ten meet (25:03.3) • clocked a season-best 8K time of 24:38.3 in the Pre-NCAA Meet • team’s third finisher (24:54.91), 21st overall, in Griak Invitational • Gophers’ top finisher, 13th overall, at Aztec Invitational • an Academic All-Big Ten honoree • earned second varsity letter.
TRUEDSON
High School: A 2009 graduate of Bemidji High School • high school coach was Ryan Aylesworth • earned all-state honors in both cross country and track as a senior • placed 21st at the 2008 Minnesota Class AA Cross Country Championships, 46th as a junior • finished fifth in the 3,200 meters (9:24.18) at state track meet • notched an eighth-place showing in the 5,000 meters (15:18) at the 2009 Nike Indoor Nationals • four-time letterwinner in cross country and track. Personal: Born Feb. 5, 1991 • intends to major in engineering or computer science • parents are John and Stacy Truedson • has two sisters Kim and Jenna • hobbies include drawing, wakeboarding and reading.
VOLZ
High School: A 2007 graduate of Lakeville South High School • high school coach was Mike Mader • All-Lake Conference honoree in cross country and track as a senior • earned eight varsity letters, three in cross country, two in track and two in Nordic skiing. Personal: Born Nov. 26, 1988 • civil engineering major • parents are Jerry and Jane Volz • has a younger sister Michelle, who is a freshman on the Gopher women’s cross country/track team • spent one year attending Colorado School of Mines • served as a team manager for the Gopher men’s track team in 2009 • enjoys playing golf and trekking through the Boundary Waters.
2007 • Sophomore Season: Granted a medical redshirt • competed in one meet, the BYU Autumn Classic, before missing the remainder of the season with a lower leg injury • Academic All-Big Ten. 2006 • Freshman Season: Competed in four meets • the Gophers’ number-five finisher, 47th overall, in a time of 32:13.04 at the NCAA Midwest Region Championships • suffered a nasty fall and did not finish at the Big Ten Championships • finished second on the team and 11th overall at the Jim Drews Invitational in a season-best 8K time of 24:47.32 • placed 51st (25:51) at his first Griak Invitational • varsity letterwinner. On the Track: Will be junior in 2010 • broke school record in the indoor 5,000 meters (record has since been broken) and advanced to the 2008 NCAA Midwest Region Championships • varsity letterwinner. High School: A 2006 graduate of Lourdes High School • coach was Myron Glass • Minnesota Class A state cross country champion as a junior and senior • 2005 team runner-up • three-time all-state in cross country • placed fourth as a sophomore • captured 2006 state track titles in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters, setting an all-class state record in the 3,200 meters of 8:59.19 • also won 3,200m as a junior • five-time all-state honoree in track • competed in the 2006 Nike Outdoor National Meet, finishing fourth in the 2-mile run with a personal-best time of 8:50.80 • lettered six times in both cross country and track, twice in Nordic skiing • member of the National Honor Society. Personal: Born April 12, 1988 • majoring in biochemistry, history and Italian • son of Michael and Patricia Torchia • has four younger siblings: Katy, Kelsey, Sarah and Ian • enjoys backpacking and camping. Torchia’s Top Times Year Event Time 2006 8K 24:47.32 10K 32:13.04 2008 8K 24:38.3 10K 31:41.10
Mike Torchia
Meet/Date Jim Drews Inv., 10/14 NCAA Reg., 11/11 Pre-NCAA, 10/18 NCAA Reg., 11/15
9 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
coaching staff
Steve Plasencia
head coach • 14th season at Minnesota
In head coach Steve Plasencia’s tenure with the Golden Gophers, Minnesota has advanced to the NCAA Championships in 11 of the last 13 seasons. The Minnesota men’s cross country/track programs is directed by one of their own in Golden Gopher alum Steve Plasencia. Plasencia, a 1979 Minnesota graduate and an AllAmerican runner for the Maroon and Gold, begins his 14th season at the helm of the cross country team and second has the head coach of the Minnesota men’s cross track & field program. The Gophers’ men’s cross country program has flourished under Plasencia’s direction. The past 13 years have seen Minnesota make 11 trips to the NCAA Cross Country Championships with the 2008 squad celebrating an eighthplace finish, the third highest in school history. Overall, the Gophers have record seven top-20 NCAA finishes during the Plasencia era. Minnesota experienced success on both a team and individual level in 2008. The Gophers finished 15th in the NCAA Championships; a finish highlighted by Chris Rombough becoming the very first Minnesota three-time AllAmerican. Hassan Mead stole the headlines throughout the season winning the Big Ten and NCAA Midwest Region crowns before he too, ran to All-America honors as the NCAA meet. Including the two All-Americans, a Gopher-record six runners captured NCAA All-Midwest Region honors. The 2007 season marked the first time in Minnesota history that three harriers captured All-America honors (Rombough, Mead and Forrest Tahdooahnippah). Mead as a
10 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
true freshman became the first Gopher to collect All-America honors during his rookie season and also claimed Big Ten Freshman of the Year acclaim. Before Plasencia took over the program in 1996, Minnesota had only run in eight NCAA Championships. Only twice, in Plasencia’s rookie season and in 2006, did Minnesota fail to advance to the national meet. Though the 2006 squad did not finish the season on the grand stage of the NCAA Championships, the season still held plenty successful conquests. The Gophers placed second at the Griak Invitational, Minnesota’s highest finish ever in the prestigious event. Easily the individual highlights of the season came from Rombough capturing medalist honors at the Big Ten Championships, then going on to finish with AllAmerica honors after a 14th-place showing at the NCAA Championships. The Golden Gophers have captured NCAA Midwest Region titles three times (1999, 2001 and 2004) under Plasencia, but in 2005, Minnesota used strong regular-season showings in the Roy Griak Invitational and the Big Ten Championships to garner an at-large berth in the NCAA Championships’ field. Leading the Gophers to a top-20 national finish was Antonio Vega, who finished 44th and collected All-America honors. Ryan Malmin, an All-American in 2004, became just the third Golden Gopher to compete in four NCAA Championships during a Minnesota career.
coaching staff Vega was the 2005 Midwest Region medalist, joining two-time individual champion Andrew Carlson and Mead, as Gophers to take the prize at the regional meet. Vega was honored as 2005 Midwest Region Runner of the Year and later ended his Gopher career as a four-time all-region performer. Carlson led the charge in leading Minnesota to the Midwest Region crown in 2004, outscoring its nearest competitor by 31 points and landing a school-record five runners on the all-region team. In 2001, Minnesota won the NCAA Midwest Regional Championships, while in 1999 the competition was titled the NCAA District V Championships. Plasencia was honored as the Region Coach of the Year after all three titles in 1999, 2001 and 2004. Competing in one of the nation’s toughest cross country conferences, the Golden Gophers have annually finished among the upper echelon of the Big Ten Conference. Last year, four Big Ten schools ran in the NCAA Championships. In 2004, seven Big Ten schools advanced to the NCAAs, matching the record number of conference teams that competed in the national meet in 2002. In July of 2008, Plasencia was elevated to position of Minnesota’s head coach for the men’s cross country/track program. His first season as head track coach turned out to be one of the finest in school history as well, with the Gophers winning indoor and outdoor Big Ten team titles. Plasencia was honored as the Big Ten Coach of the Year for both the indoor and outdoor seasons. Prior to being named the head coach, Plasencia has served as an assistant track coach since joining the Minnesota staff in 1996. Before becoming the eighth head coach in Minnesota cross country history and succeeding legendary Gopher coach Roy Griak, Plasencia gained coaching experience working with world-class athletes. In addition to coaching himself to two Olympic games Plasencia advised training partners 1984 Olympian Don Clary and Mike Bilyeu, who finished sixth in the 5,000 meters at the 1992 Olympic Trials, on their training. Plasencia was able to successfully mesh his expertise as a coach with a successful running career. He ran competitively from 1972 to 2001, and remains one of Minnesota’s most decorated runners. Plasencia was a three-time cross country and two-time track All-American in the late 70s. He served as the team captain in 1977 and won the Fred O. Watson Award for the most valuable Golden Gopher cross country runner in 1976, ‘77 and ‘78. Plasencia still holds four Minnesota cross country records, three of which were accomplished at a championship event. Plasencia was inducted into Minnesota’s “M” Club Hall of Fame in 1994. Plasencia’s competitive career did not end when he completed his Golden Gopher career. Plasencia went on to represent the United States in the 10,000 meters at both the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea, and the 1992 Games in Barcelona, Spain. He was also the 1990 U.S. 10,000-meters champion. Plasencia nearly made his third straight trip to Olympic Games but finished fourth in the 1996 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials and fifth in the 5,000 meters at the Track and Field Trials. In addition to his Olympic experiences, Plasencia represented the U.S. in four World Championships. His top finishes were an eighth-place finish in the 10,000-meters in 1987 and a 10th-place showing in the marathon in 1995. He was inducted into the Minnesota Track and Field Hall of Fame in the fall of 1996. Plasencia earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Minnesota in 1979. He later earned a master’s degree from Oregon in 1987. Prior to joining the Golden Gopher staff, he served as the director of sports respiratory medicine for Allergy and Asthma Associates in Eugene, Ore. He also worked as a cardiac rehabilitation therapist at Eugene’s Sacred Heart Hospital. Plasencia and his wife Theresa reside in Shoreview, Minn. They have two sons, Ryan and Alex.
Plasencia At A Glance Directed the Golden Gophers to 10 NCAA Championshps appearances, ninth consecutive from 1997-2005, with six top 20 national finishes and top-25 national finishes nine times Led Minnesota to its third-highest NCAA finish (eighth place in 2007) in school history Led the Golden Gophers to the NCAA Regional title in 1999, 2001 and 2004 Coached three Gophers (Chris Rombough, Hassan Mead and Forrest Tahdooahnippah) to All-America honors in 2007 - the most in a single season in Minnesota history Coached Chris Rombough to repeat All-America honors (2006, 2007) and Hassan Mead (2007) to the first All-America honor earned by a freahman Coached Chris Rombough to Big Ten medalist honors in 2006 Guided Andrew Carlson to All-America honors in 2002 and 2004, becoming the first Gopher two-time All-American since 1984 Three-time NCAA Midwest Region Coach-of-the-Year (1999, 2001, 2004) Member of the 1988 & 1992 U.S. Olympic Teams 1990 USA 10K champion Five-time All-American at Minnesota Minnesota cross country school record holder in the five mile, and six mile race distances Member of the University of Minnesota’s “M” Club Hall of Fame Member of the Minnesota Track & Field Hall of Fame
Plasencia was Minnesota’s most valuable cross country runner for three consecutive years, earning All-America honors twice. The Plasnecia Famiy
11 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
cross country staff
Jason Rengo
Lefty Wright
volunteer assistant coach
meet director
Jason Rengo is in his first season as the volunteer assistant coach for the Golden Gopher men’s cross country team. Rengo was a 2007 graduate of Minnesota State, earning a pair of NCAA All-America honors in the 3,000-meter steeplechase during his Maverick career. He was a 13-time All-North Central Conference honoree, four times in cross country and nine times in track. Rengo graduated with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, posting a 3.83 grade point average and graduating Suma Cum Laude. Rengo continued his education at Colorado, where he earned a master’s degree in integrative physiology in May of 2009. In addition to his coaching duties, Rengo works in cardiac rehabilitation at Unity Hospital in Fridley.
Eugene “Lefty” Wright is in his 13th year as the meet director for the University of Minnesota’s cross country and track and field programs. Wright coordinates all aspects of cross country and track and field meets, including meet preparation, officials, equipment and meet management.
Merrill Fischbein director of officials
Merrill Fischbein has worked with the Minnesota cross country and track and field programs for a number of years as the director of officials. Certified by USA Track and Field, Fischbein hires and coordinates all officials for Minnesota’s home meets.
Cross Country Support Staff
DR. ELIZABETH ARENDT
BECKY BOHM
KEVIN CRITER
CAL DIETZ
Athletic Communications
Equipment Manager
Strength & Conditioning
Medical Director
COLE PETERSON
JO RIDER
KAREN ROTH
Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer
Administrative Specialist
Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer
12 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
JEFF WINSLOW Athletic Trainer
DR. ROBERT JOHNSON
DR. FERNANDO PENA
Team Physician
Team Physician
cross country staff
Roy Griak
administrative assistant • 14th season • head coach 1963-1995 Roy Griak is in his 14th season as the Golden Gophers’ full-time track and field/cross country administrative assistant. He had previously served as Minnesota’s cross country and track & field coach for 33 years from 1963-1996. A letterwinner in both cross country and track and field during his collegiate running career for the Golden Gophers, Griak earned his bachelor’s degree in education from the U of M in 1949, adding his master’s degree in 1950. Griak went on to teach at Nicolett High School and then at the Mankato Public Schools before he began teaching and coaching at St. Louis Park High School in 1953. Griak, who was inducted into the prestigious Drake Relays Coaches’ Hall of Fame in April of 1993, took over the reigns of the Minnesota program in 1963, replacing his old coach Jim Kelly. He led the Golden Gophers to Big Ten cross country titles in 1964 and 1969. His 1968 cross country squad finished second at the Big Ten meet and placed fourth at the NCAA Championships. Griak added a Big Ten track and field title to his resume in 1968. In addition to three Big Ten titles, his cross country squads produced three secondplace and seven third-place finishes in league meets. Overall, he coached a total of 47 cross country and track and field All-Americans during his tenure, including three NCAA champions. His athletes collected 60 Big Ten Conference individual titles as well. When Griak stepped off the track for the last time in 1996, Minnesota honored its legendary coach by naming the nation’s largest annual cross country meet, formerly the Minnesota Invitational, after Griak. Griak then became the administrative assistant for cross country and track & field. As the track and field and cross country administrative assistant, Griak takes care of scheduling, budget and equipment duties. He also plans special events and projects, fundraisers and acts as a liaison to the administration. Griak resides in Plymouth, Minn.
Since retiring from coaching in 1996, Griak has been the track & field/cross country administrative assistant. Griak’s day-to-day involvement includes promoting the Golden Gopher program through special events and fundraisers. Griak’s coaching career spanned 33 years and included three NCAA champions, 47 All-Americans, 60 Big Ten champions, two Big Ten cross country titles and one Big Ten track & field title.
13 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
athletics administration
Joel Maturi athletics director
In his eight years as director of athletics at the University of Minnesota, Joel Maturi has engineered a complete transformation of Golden Gopher athletics. Since being named the first director of athletics of Minnesota’s merged men’s and women’s departments on July 12, 2002, Maturi has combined an uncompromising vision of the future and his unique brand of leadership with a tireless dedication to guide Gopher athletics on a clear course toward becoming a model NCAA Division I athletics department. A native of Chisholm, Minn., Maturi’s tenure at Minnesota has been marked by significant positive change in virtually every aspect of the department. And from his focused efforts has emerged a level of broad-based achievement that year after year places Gopher athletics among the nation’s most successful overall programs. Looking back, it’s easy to discern the building blocks of Minnesota’s success under Maturi. Fiscal responsibility, balanced budgets and refocused fund-raising efforts have yielded increased opportunities and unprecedented growth. The development of a first-class academic support program continues to see Gopher student-athletes earn their degrees at ever improving rates. A renewed emphasis on NCAA compliance has ushered in a new era of integrity. And a distinctive ability to foster cooperation as a key and trusted member of University Robert Bruininks’ leadership team has resulted in unprecedented levels of cross-campus collaboration. To say that Minnesota’s athletics department was at a tipping point when Maturi arrived is to perhaps understate the challenges facing the program. Gopher athletics was projected to run a $31 million deficit over the next four years and in order to help cope planned to eliminate three sports. Building a state-of-theart stadium to bring football back to campus was considered a pipe dream. Undaunted, Maturi swiftly set in motion a plan to restore the financial integrity of Gopher athletics. Balanced budgets followed and all three sports were retained. Most significantly, however, the dream of returning Gopher football to its rightful place campus is now a reality as Minnesota opened the doors to the 50,000-seat TCF Bank Stadium – the Big Ten’s first new on-campus football stadium built since 1960. Upgrades to virtually every Minnesota athletics facility have also taken place under Maturi, including a $600,000 renovation of the playing surface of historic Williams Arena this past summer, and funds are currently being raised to support the construction of a new stadium for Gopher baseball. In addition to leading the way to meet the Gophers’ needs for world-class facilities, Maturi’s tenure has been marked by continual athletic and academic success by Minnesota’s 25-sport department. Gopher athletic programs have accumulated four national championships, 30 Big Ten or WCHA regular season titles and five conference postseason crowns. Minnesota has also placed in the top 30 of the Learfield Directors’ Cup final standing each year of his term, including a 14th-place finish in 2008-09 that ranks as the third-best finish in school history that saw Gopher teams claim six conference titles, advance 20 teams to postseason competition, produce 40 first team All-Big Ten honorees and 41 All-Americans, 257 academic all-conference selections (second-most in the Big Ten) and 12 CoSIDA academic all-district award winners. Minnesota was also among just a handful of programs to see its football team earn a bowl berth (Insight Bowl) and have both its men’s and women’s basketball teams as well as its baseball program qualify for the NCAA Tournament. Gopher women’s hockey, meanwhile, made its sixth appearance in the Frozen Four. Maturi, 64, increased his leadership role within the Big Ten and NCAA during the past few years by being named to several prominent committees, most notably the NCAA Division I Management Council. He has served as the Management Council’s liaison to the NCAA Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for the past year. Maturi is has also served as a member of the NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Committee, and will chair this committee during the 2007-08 season. Prior to his arrival, Maturi was the Director of Athletics at Miami University (Ohio). At Miami, Maturi was responsible for the management and leadership of 19 sports programs, all support staffs and nearly 600 student-athletes. His first season at Miami was an extremely successful one. The synchronized skating team won a national championship, the men’s basketball team reached the NCAA Sweet 16, the volleyball team earned its first NCAA Tournament win, the men’s cross country team advanced to the NCAA meet and the football team won 10 games against an impressive schedule. That year, six teams won Mid-American Conference titles while five coaches garnered Coach of the Year honors. During his tenure at Miami, Maturi spearheaded fund-raising efforts for two important and necessary projects. In his final year, the Walter L. Gross Jr. Family Student-Athlete Development Center was opened and a new baseball field, McKie Field at Hayden Park, was dedicated. Maturi also made an impact on the campus and the community in Oxford, Ohio. He was a recipient of a Campus Impact Award, received an award from the Butler County Board of Mental Retardation & Developmental Disabilities for his efforts to help those in need, the Miami Alumni Association’s A.K. Morris Award for his service to the Association and the Myrtis Powell Building Community Award. In addition, he chaired the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) executive council in 2001-02, and also served as the chair of the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Committee for Region 4 and was the liaison for the men’s basketball coaches in the MAC. Prior to his time at Miami, Maturi served as the Director of Athletics at the University of Denver from 1996-98. At Denver, Maturi led the school’s move from Division II to Division I and oversaw the search for Division I conference affiliation. Maturi also assisted in the planning and development of a $50 million Sports and Wellness Center and a $2.1 million tennis complex. Maturi is no stranger to the Big Ten. From 1987-96, he worked at the University of Wisconsin. While there, he assisted in taking the financially challenged and struggling athletics program to profitability and success. From 1992-96, he was the Associate Director of Athletics with direct responsibility for all aspects of the football, ice hockey, wrestling, softball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s rowing, men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field teams, as well as the office of academic affairs. He also chaired the Department’s “Support” Program, a wellness program for student-athletes and staff. Maturi was named the Wisconsin Sports Person of the Year in 1993. Before entering the college ranks, Maturi spent 19 years as a high school coach and administrator at Madison Edgewood High School. He coached football, basketball, baseball and track and field, leading his teams to 10 state tournaments. Maturi was inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992. Maturi received a B.A. in government from the University of Notre Dame in 1967. He also served on the support staff of Ara Parseghian’s first national championship team. He earned a master’s degree and certification for educational administration from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 1985. Maturi and his wife, Lois, have three grown children, Mark, Katie and Anne.
14 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
Robert Bruininks university president
Robert H. Bruininks was appointed the 15th president of the University of Minnesota on November 8, 2002. He has served the University for 40 years, formerly as a professor, dean, and executive vice president and provost. Transforming the U For the past four years, Bruininks has overseen a transformative strategic positioning effort at the University that has raised the bar considerably for the University's academic profile, its service to students and the community, and its stewardship of resources. Already, the results of this intensive effort are visible. In the recent years, the University has undertaken initiatives including: • the adoption of aggressive new four-year graduation goals for each campus • the development of student learning and development outcomes that clearly outline what all University students should know and be able to do at graduation, regardless of academic program • the implementation of tuition reforms enabling many students to save significantly on the total cost of education • the revision of the faculty tenure and promotion code to better recognize and reward outstanding scholarship in all its forms "The University has undertaken significant reform in the context of an increasingly competitive global market for resources, talent, and ideas," Bruininks said. "Our vision is to improve lives through the advancement of knowledge, and our strategic goal is aspirational, audacious, and, I believe, achievable: to become one of the top three public research universities in the world, with a deep and abiding cultural commitment to excellence in everything we do, across all our campuses, research and outreach centers, and offices statewide." Innovations in the University's student experience, such as expanded undergraduate research and study abroad opportunities, a campus-wide Honors Program for the Twin Cities campus, and an increased emphasis on enhancing teaching and learning, have helped to fuel high student satisfaction rates, increased applications and enrollment, and significantly improved graduation rates. With more than 65,000 students enrolled system-wide—including more than 50,000 on the Twin Cities campus alone—the University of Minnesota is one of the nation's largest. Affordability for students here and at the University's four coordinate campuses remains a primary concern for the Bruininks administration. Launched in 2005, the Founders Free Tuition Program now covers full cost of tuition and required fees for low-income, Pell-eligible Minnesota students statewide. Once fully implemented, the award is expected to benefit 4,700 undergraduates across the University. In addition, Bruininks has made student scholarships the University's top fundraising priority. The Promise for Tomorrow scholarship drive reached its initial goal of $150 million in October 2006 and has now raised roughly $250 million in just five years. Approximately 7,000 students received privately funded scholarships and fellowships each year; the University's new goal is to help 10,000 students with privately raised financial assistance. Bruininks's career has centered on child and adolescent development and policy research, and strategic improvement in the fields of pre-kindergarten to grade 12 and higher education. Initially joining the University's faculty as an assistant professor of educational psychology, he has authored or coauthored nearly 90 journal articles and more than 70 book chapters, as well as training materials and several standardized tests. In 2007, Bruininks joined the NCAA Division I Board of Directors. He has also been instrumental in bringing Big Ten football back to the Twin Cities campus with the construction of TCF Bank Stadium, slated to open in Fall 2009. In addition to hosting home football games, the new stadium will provide a permanent home for the marching band, an important new venue for University and community events, and a prominent public gateway to the University's broader mission of education, research and public engagement. President Bruininks earned his bachelor of arts degree from Western Michigan University, and his master of arts and doctor of philosophy degrees from George Peabody College (now Vanderbilt University's Peabody College of Education and Human Development). He and his wife, Dr. Susan Hagstrum, have three grown sons and three grandsons. In their free time, they enjoy riding American Saddlebred horses and spending time at their cabin on northern Minnesota's Gunflint Trail.
2009 golden gopher cross country
University of
MINNESOTA 21 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
2009 golden gopher cross country
About The ‘U’ • Founded in 1851, the University of Minnesota is one of the most comprehensive public universities in the United States and ranks among the most prestigious. It is both the state land-grant university and the state's only major research university. • The Twin Cities campus has an enrollment of more than 51,000 ranking as the fourth-largest in the nation. • The University's Twin Cities campus consistently ranks among the top six public research universities in the nation. • More than 160 bachelor’s degrees, 150 master’s degrees and 100 doctoral degrees are offered. • As one of the largest urban universities in the United States, the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities provides many opportunities for students, faculty and staff to participate in the thriving business, social and artistic communities of the metropolitan area. • The University’s mission of teaching, research and service is felt throughout the state, the nation and the world. To ensure that this legacy continues, the University has embarked on an aggressive strategic plan to make this great University even greater.
22 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
2009 golden gopher cross country
University of
MINNESOTA A world-class university — known globally as a leader in teaching, research and public service, the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities consistently ranks among the top six public research universities in the nation. More than 160 bachelor’s degrees, 150 master’s degrees and 100 doctoral degrees make the University one of the most comprehensive institutions in the country. Many of the programs are recognized as national and international leaders. Also a thriving center for culture and the arts, The “U” features outstanding galleries, museums, concerts, theater productions and public lectures. Add in the excitement of Big Ten Athletics, and the University of Minnesota has something for everyone. The University community is a broad mix of ethnic backgrounds, interests and cultures. Students come from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. Many small communities of students, faculty and staff help to create a welcoming feeling on campus. The campus in Minneapolis is located just a few minutes east of downtown. Nestled along the bluffs of the Mississippi River, buildings in Minneapolis range from the ultramodern Weisman Art Museum to the classic and stately Northrop Memorial Auditorium. A few miles to the east in St. Paul, rolling hills and quiet lawns create a more rural setting. The Minneapolis and St. Paul parts of the campus are connected by a convenient campus shuttle system. The University of Minnesota also provides a life beyond the campus like few other Big Ten universities can. The dynamic communities of Minneapolis and St. Paul offer something for everyone—a nationally-recognized arts and theater community, a thriving entertainment industry, a host of Fortune 500 companies, four glorious seasons of outdoor recreation, exciting professional sports, shopping and restaurants for every taste, all located close to campus. Founded in 1851, seven years before the territory of Minnesota became a state, the University is the largest in the state and touches the lives of thousands of people every day through its teaching, research and service.
23 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
2009 golden gopher cross country
CAMPUS
24 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
2009 golden gopher cross country
The views of the Minneapolis skyline and the Mississippi River are plentiful from the East Bank and West Bank campuses.
25 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
2009 golden gopher cross country
The Twin Cities are blessed with many lakes including Lake Calhoun (above) which is located just a few miles from downtown Minneapolis.
Twin Cities Facts • The Twin Cities metro area has a population of over 2.5 million and is the nation’s 14th-largest media market • Minneapolis was named the “Most Fun City in America” by Money Magazine’s “Best Places to Live” • Men’s Fitness ranked Minneapolis as the “Most Athletic City” in 2006. The magazine annually ranks Minneapolis as one of the “Fittest” cities, including a No. 4 ranking in 2007. • The Twin Cities boast all four major sports franchises (NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB) • The Twin Cities are home to 130 art galleries and 35 museums • 20 Fortune 500 companies are located in the Twin Cities • Cooking Light named Minneapolis the fourth-best American city that best fit a philosophy to eat smart, be fit, and live well. • A 2004 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater study revealed Minneapolis as the “Most Literate City” in America • Entrepreneur ranked the Twin Cities as the No. 1 large city for entrepreneurs • Population Connection ranked Minneapolis as the fifth-best “kid friendly” large city • Kiplinger’s rated Minneapolis No. 2 on its “50 Smart Places To Live” list • Minnesota has been ranked as the healthiest state by United Health Foundation for three straight years • Men’s Journal rated the Twin Cities as one of the “50 Best Places To Live” in 2006 • Five Minnesota hospitals, led by Mayo Clinic, made U.S. News & World Report's 2005 lists of the nation's top hospitals.
Only In The Twin Cities • The largest enclosed mall in the country, the Mall of America • Second-most theater seats per capita behind New York City • More golfers per capita than any city in the country The Minneapolis skyline in the evening
26 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
The Minneapolis skyline from the Northeast with the Mississppi River
Skyways throughout downtown Minneapolis make foot travel convenient
The famous scultpure gardens in Minneapolis
2009 golden gopher cross country
Minneapolis & St. Paul
TWIN CITIES The St. Croix River runs adjacent to downtown St. Paul
19 Fortune 500 companies are located in the Twin Cities
The Xcel Energy Center in downtown St. Paul
Minnehaha Falls is located in Minneapolis
The State Capitol building in downtown St. Paul
27 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
2009 golden gopher cross country
Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
Pro Sports, Concerts, Outdoors • Target Center (downtown Minneapolis) and Xcel Energy Center (downtown St. Paul) both seat over 19,000 spectators and host hundreds of sporting events and concerts each year. • The Twin Cities are home to the Timberwolves (NBA), Vikings (NFL), Twins (MLB) and Wild (NHL). • Virtually every major sporting event including Super Bowls, NCAA Final Fours, playoffs for the NBA, MLB, NHL and NFL and PGA Tour major golf tournaments. • The Twin Cities also play host to professional soccer, women’s basketball, lacrosse and minor league baseball. • Minnesota has over 15,000 lakes that boast some of the country’s finest fishing and boating. • The Twin Cities’ thousands of recreational areas and trails make it one of the top outdoor destinations.
Outdoor Options The Twin Cities offer endless outdoor sporting activities including fishing, boating, camping, skiing, golfing and biking to name a few. The Cities are covered with trails and thousands of lakes to entertain any outdoor enthusiast.
28 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
Top Concerts Kenny Chesney, Green Day, Beyonce and Dave Matthews Band are just a few of the hundreds of top shows that visited the Twin Cities recently.
2009 golden gopher cross country
Twin Cities
ENTERTAINMENT Seimone Augustus, Minnesota Lymx
Mikko Koivu, Minnesota Wild
Al Jefferson, Minnesota Timberwolves
Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins
Target Center
29 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
2009 golden gopher cross country
The Gopher women’s cross country team is the two-time defending Big Ten Champions.
49 13 447 258 Hassan Mead was a five-time Big Ten champion in 2008-09 in indoor and outdoor track and cross country and earned AllAmerica honors in all three sports.
Athletic & Academic Achievements
Student-Athletes earned All-America honors in 2008-09.
Straight top 30 finishes in the Learfield Director’s Cup measuring overall athletics prowess.
Student-athletes held GPAs of 3.0 or better during the 2009 spring semester.
Academic All-Big Ten selections during the 2008-09 season.
31
Academic All-Americans over the last six years.
Jillian Tyler was the NCAA runner-up in the 100 breaststroke and was a three-time AllAmerican in 2009.
2009 golden gopher cross country
Gopher Championships 23 8
National Championships won by Minnesota overall.
National Championships won since 2001.
37
Big Ten or WCHA regular season or tournament titles won in the last eight years.
18
Big Ten or WCHA conference titles won in the last three years.
172
All-Time Regular Season Big Ten/WCHA Championships
Derek McCallum was named a first team All-American and led Minnesota into the NCAA Baseball Tournament.
The soccer, women’s hockey and women’s indoor track and field and cross country teams all claimed Big Ten Championships in 2008-09.
Athletic
EXCELLENCE Ryan Stoa was a first team men’s hockey All-American in 2008-09.
Jillian Tyler was the NCAA runner-up in the 100 breaststroke and was a three-time AllAmerican in 2009.
Lauren Gibbemeyer was one of three Gophers to earn volleyball AllAmerica honors.
Zach Sanders earned AllAmerica honors as a freshman for the wrestling team in 2009.
31 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
2009 golden gopher cross country
Athletics
FACILITIES
Mariucci Arena
Jane Sage Cowles Stadium
Sports Pavilion
U of M Boathouse
siebert Field
Les Bolstad/University Golf Course
Baseline Tennis Center
32 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
2009 golden gopher cross country
The University of Minnesota owns a full compliment of on-campus athletics facilities including the brand-new TCF Bank Stadium.
Bierman Track and Field Stadium
University Aquatics Center
Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium
Ridder Arena
1 million On average, nearly one million fans attend Gopher athletic events annually. Williams Arena
33 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
2009 golden gopher cross country
“
We’ve made a tremendous commitment to reach out to children in the state of Minnesota. We want to grow a sense of state pride in these young kids. We want them to grow up dreaming about becoming Golden Gophers. I think it is vital to establish these relationships within the state, so these kids think the thing to do is stay home and represent the state of Minnesota some day.
”
— Head Coach Tim Brewster 34 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
2009 golden gopher cross country
Life
SKILLS Gophers In The Community The Gopher soccer program believes it is important to return the outstanding support given by its fans by returning some of their time through volunteer and charitable activities. The Gophers are actively involved in the Twin Cities and University communities. Additionally, the CHAMPS/Life Skills program will: • Promote student-athletes’ ownership of their academic, athletic, career, personal and community responsibilities. • Meet the changing needs for student-athletes. • Promote respect for diversity and inclusion among studentathletes. • Assist student-athletes in identifying and applying transferable skills. • Enhance partnerships between the NCAA, member institutions and their communities for the purpose of education. • Foster an environment that encourages student-athletes to effectivelly access campus resources.
Champs/Life Skills Program History
In 1991, the NCAA Foundation initiated efforts to create a total development program for student-athletes. Through the collaborative efforts of the NCAA Foundation and the Division I-A Athletic Director's Association, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program (Challenging Athletes Minds for Personal Success) was created. Today, the NCAA Education Outreach staff oversees the development of the program, offering services, support and programs to participating institutions throughout the year. The CHAMPS/Life Skills Program is supported through the promotional and financial efforts of the NCAA Foundation and the NCAA national office.
PEYTON OWENS Associate Director Director of CHAMPS/Life Skills
University of Minnesota Life Skills Program The Life Skills Program at the University Of Minnesota includes many programs all designed to help make the student-athlete's experience a positive one. The CHAMPS/Life Skills program is an NCAA sponsored program designed to focus on the total development of the student-athlete. Part of the mission of the Athletic Department is to encourage student-athletes to achieve excellence in their academic and athletic pursuits. In an effort to assist our student-athletes further, the program is designed to give a comprehensive approach to providing educational experiences and services which focus on the individual. We presently utilize: a freshman orientation course, personal development programs, Golden Career Opportunities, various community outreach efforts, and our Student Athlete Advisory Committee (S.A.A.C.) to impact the lives of our young men and women. Gopher involvement in the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program helps student-athletes enhance the quality of their experience here within the university setting. We are also supplied with instructional materials and supplemental resources which support our student-athletes' development within the CHAMPS/Life Skills Commitment Statements’ five key areas: academic excellence, athletic excellence, personal development, career development, and community service.
ANISSA LIGHTNER Asst. Director
RACHEL MCKESSOCK Coordinator
35 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
2009 golden gopher cross country
U of M Academic Facts • The University of Minnesota is ranked among the top six public research universities in the nation, according to a recent study by the University of Florida. • The University’s Twin Cities campus offers more than 160 majors for undergraduates. The University has 17 different colleges. • University departments, such as geography, psychology, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, management information systems, and economics rank among the top 10 in the nation, according to the National Research Council. • A record 258 Minnesota student-athletes were named Academic All-Big Ten during the 2008-09 academic year. • 447 U of M student-athletes maintained a 3.0 cumulative grade point average or better during the spring semester of the 2008-09 academic year.
Gopher
ACADEMICS McNamara Academic Center • Computer lab with more than 40 computers • A quiet study area • The Learning Center with four computers, tutor rooms and Learning Specialists • The Gopher Getaway lounge which includes: • 50-inch flat screen TV • Six computers available for e-mail, Facebook, MySpace or general web surfing • Tables and chairs for eating and socializing • 10 tutor rooms or classrooms
Learning Support Tutors • Tutors are available for many different subjects Sunday through Thursday evenings. • You can also make an individual appointment with a tutor.
Learning Support Structured Study 7-10 p.m., Sunday-Thursday: Focuses on needs of the first-year student-athlete. Individual writing assistance and group tutoring in the most common math and science courses are scheduled nightly. Learning Groups-Focus Groups each semester address particular needs, i.e. transition, probation, international student issues, math anxiety, or assist with a particular class, often a self-paced course. A Learning Specialist facilitates the weekly or biweekly meeting.
Enhancement Program
Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium
• Developmental retention program which provides intensive academic support for a limited number of student-athletes. • Each student works individually with a Learning Specialist for the academic year to develop personal learning strategies and improve academic skills. • Students have required structured study and tutor time, and Fieldhouse their academic progressUniversity is closely monitored.
36 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
Gold Program • First year students who are not participating in the Enhancement Program. • Students transitioning out of the Enhancement Program • Anyone who needs additional assistance to pursue his or her academic goals. • Consists of weekly meetings with an Academic Counselor • Designed you to build study and time management skills U offor M Boathouse necessary to succeed and enhance your academic life.
records & history
2008
SEASON RECAP The 2008 Season in Review The Golden Gophers collected another impressive national finish to cap off the 2008 season, placing 15th at the NCAA Championships behind the All-America performances of Chris Rombough and Hassan Mead. Minnesota added a runner-up showing at the NCAA Midwest Region Championships and a third-place finish at the Big Ten Championships during the championship portion of the 2008 campaign. Minnesota at the NCAA Championships Minnesota made its 20th appearance in the NCAA Cross Country Championships in 2008. The Gophers have competed in 11 of the last 12 Championships, missing out only in 2006. The best finish for the Gophers in NCAA history was a fourthplace showing in 1968, while most recently an eighth-place showing in 2007 tops the list. The 15th-place finish in 2008 is the 15th top-20 NCAA showing in Minnesota history. Rombough Makes Minnesota History Senior Chris Rombough became the first Golden Gopher to capture three All-America citations in a career. Rombough added his third national honor in 2008 with a 17th-place finish. He placed 14th in 2006 and 29th in 2007. Six other Gophers, including Hassan Mead, are two-time AllAmericans. Mead Makes His Mark at Big Tens and Region Meet Sophomore Hassan Mead captured the individual Big Ten title, notching his name as the fifth Minnesota Gopher to win the Conference crown. Mead also collected medalist honors at the NCAA Midwest region meet before earning All-America accord with a 31st-place finish at the NCAA Championships. Mead, Rombough Share Team MV Award For the second consecutive season, the Fred O. Watson Award, Minnesota’s team MV award, was shared by Hassan Mead and Chris Rombough. Rombough is a career three-time MV recipient. Mead Clocks Minnesota Record 8K Time Hassan Mead ran the fastest 8-kilometer time in Minnesota history at the Pre-NCAA Meet Blue Race on Oct. 18. Mead clocked a time of 23 minutes, 33.1 seconds to break teammate Chris Rombough’s mark of 23:39.7, set at the same meet in 2007. Minnesota Coaching Staff Golden Gopher head coach Steve Plasencia completed his 13th season leading the Minnesota program. Plasencia has guided the Gophers to NCAA Championships berths in 11 of his 13 years with his alma mater with the Gophers’ 2008 eighth-place NCAA finish the best since 1969. In July of 2008, Plasencia was named the Golden Gophers’ head men’s track & field coach. Volunteer assistant coach Jason Havey finished his first year with the Gophers. Hassan Mead Honored as the USTFCCCA Midwest Region Runner of the Year Sophomore Hassan Mead was named the 2008 USTFCCCA Midwest Region Runner of the Year after capturing medalist honors at both the Big Ten Conference Championships and NCAA Midwest Region Championships. As the Big Ten champion, Mead was also honored as the Big Ten Athlete of the Year.
Gophers 15th in NCAA Championships, Rombough a ThreeTime All-American Golden Gopher senior Chris Rombough set Minnesota cross country history on Monday, becoming the first three-time AllAmerican in school history as Minnesota finished 15th at the NCAA Cross Country Championships. Rombough finished 17th overall, covering the 10-kilometer course the LaVern Gibson Championship Course in Terre Haute, Ind., in a time of 29 minutes, 54.4 seconds. Rombough’s time is the fourth-fastest time in school history. His top finish at the NCAA meet was 14th in 2006, while he placed 29th in 2007. “I’m proud of Chris,” said Golden Gopher head coach Steve Plasencia. “He’s a strong runner who loves cross country. He kept pounding away, moving up through the field. We are going to miss him.” Mead didn’t run his best race but still managed to collect All-America honors with a 31st-place finish in a time of 30:06.2. The Gopher sophomore, who won both the Big Ten and NCAA Midwest Region individual titles, is the seventh runner to earn multiple All-America citations. “Hassan fought back but he didn’t have a good day,” said Plasencia. Plasencia also noted that Mead and most of the Gophers, other than Rombough, didn’t seem to have as much energy as he would have hoped. “Overall we had a mediocre performance today. We didn’t have a lot of zip. I’m thinking that running on that very difficult course at the regional meet may have taken a lot out of us. We didn’t start the race well and that left too much to make up. I guess it says something, though, when we aren’t necessarily pleased with a 15th-place finish at the NCAAs. We had higher hopes, higher expectations, but we just didn’t have the depth to pull it off.” The Gophers were unable to finish with a tight pack of runners, as they had in the NCAA Midwest Region Championships nine days ago. Sophomore Ben Blankenship ran a solid race to finish as the Gophers’ number-three runner, clocking a time of 30:55.1 to place 100th overall, but the gap widened for the important fourth and fifth scorers. Matt Barrett was the Gophers’ fourth runner to cross the finish line, placing 160th in a time of 31:23.6, followed by Mike McFarland in 171st in 31:27.0. Also competing for Minnesota was Ben Puhl, who placed 214th in 32:00.3 and Mike Torchia in 231st in 32:25.0. Gophers Earn NCAA Automatic Berth With Runner-Up Finish at Regional Minnesota, fueled by a one-two finish by All-Americans Hassan Mead and Chris Rombough, earned an automatic NCAA Championships berth by placing second at the NCAA Midwest Region Championships in Stillwater, Okla., on Saturday, Nov. 15. The No. 14 Golden Gophers captured their 11th NCAA Championships appearance in 12 years by finishing in the top two in the regional team standings. Host Oklahoma State tallied 42 for the team title, while Minnesota finished second with 51. “We knew going in that Hassan and Chris could compete at the front of the pack,” said Golden Gopher Steve Plasencia. “What we needed was for our other guys to push forward and they certainly came through for us today. Ben (Blankenship) ran with great confidence today and was a key contributor. We have conditioned ourselves to be successful at the longer 10K distance run in the NCAAs.”
Chris Rombough
Mead, also the 2008 Big Ten Conference medalist, became the fourth Golden Gopher to win the Midwest Region individual title. The sophomore covered the 10-kilometer course at the Oklahoma State Cross Country Course in a time of 31 minutes, 15.65 seconds. He used a strong finish in the last 400 meters to push away for the win. Rombough was second in a time of 31:18.85. Minnesota finished with six of its seven runners earning All-NCAA Midwest Region honors. Ben Blankenship, running his first Midwest Region meet after running in the South Region with Mississippi State a year ago, posted the best finish of his young Gopher career, placing 12th in a time of 31:28.45. The final two Gopher scorers crossed the line back-toback. Matt Barrett placed 19th in a time of 31:40.60, while Mike Torchia was 20th in 31:41.10. The sixth Gopher to earn all-region acclaim was Mike McFarland in 24th in a time of 31:56.85. Also competing for the Gophers was Ben Puhl, who clocked a time of 32:19.95 and placed 40th overall. Hassan Mead Honored as Big Ten Runner of the Year, Puhl Honored as Well Hassan Mead was named the Big Ten Conference Men’s Cross Country Athlete of the Year, announced by the Conference officials. The conference postseason honor is determined by a vote of the Big Ten cross country coaches. Mead concluded the Big Ten season by capturing the individual title at the Big Ten Championships held at Michigan. Mead covered the 8-kilometer course in a time of 24 minutes, 26.4 seconds, winning the crown by over nine seconds. The Minneapolis South High School graduate also picked up two Big Ten Runner of the Week accolades during the 2008 season. Mead is the fifth Gopher to win the Big Ten title and the second in three years as teammate Rombough captured Big 31 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
records & history
2008
SEASON RECAP (CONTINUED) Ten medalist honors in 2006. Rombough was Minnesota’s first Big Ten Cross Country Athlete of the Year in 2006. The Gophers had three champions prior to the Big Ten awarding Athlete of the Year honors. Gary Bjorklund was a three-time champion in 1969, 1970 and 1971. Other Minnesota champions were Fred Watson (1913-15) and Leonard Edelen in 1957. Wisconsin’s Mick Byrne was honored as the 2008 Big Ten Coach of the Year, while Penn State rookie Kyle Dawson earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year accord. The conference office also announced the honorees from each of the 10 men’s cross country squads for the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. The student-athletes chosen are individuals who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. In addition, the studentathletes must be in good academic standing and have demonstrated good citizenship outside of the sports-competition setting. The Minnesota recipient was senior Ben Puhl. Mead Wins Big Ten Title, Gophers Finish Third Hassan Mead won the individual title at the Big Ten Men’s Cross Country Championships on Sunday, Nov. 2 in Ann Arbor, Mich. Mead and third-place finisher Chris Rombough led the Golden Gophers to a third-place finish in the team title chase. Mead covered the 8-kilometer course at the University
of Michigan Golf Course in a time of 24 minutes, 26.4 seconds, winning the crown that so narrowly escaped the Gopher harrier a year ago by over nine seconds in this his sophomore season. He placed second in 2007 as a true freshman, and led a good share of the race before being edged out in the final stretch. “Winning the title feels great,” said Mead, a Minneapolis South High School grad. “This was one of my goals on the season so I’m really happy I accomplished it. I ran a relaxed race. I made my move at about the 5K and went all the way.” “Hassan moved into the lead going up the last big major hill and just continued to build a gap on the next runner,” said Plasencia. “Hassan just continues to add to his savvy as a runner. He’s able to build off his success. It’s exciting for us that Hassan is so talented and is just a sophomore. He has great days ahead of him.” Rombough added the third-place finish in a time of 24:42.1. The Gopher senior completed his Big Ten cross country career with three top-five finishes at the Conference meet. Mead is the fifth Gopher to win the Big Ten title and the second in three years as teammate Rombough captured Big Ten medalist honors in 2006. Gary Bjorklund won his third straight crown in 1971. Other Minnesota champions were Fred Watson (1913-15) and Leonard Edelen in 1957.
Wisconsin continued its dominance in collecting its 10th straight Big Ten title. The Badgers landed all five of their scoring runners in the top 14 to score 40 points. Michigan was second with 57, edging Minnesota (60) for runner-up honors. “Our guys ran well today,” said Golden Gopher head coach Steve Plasencia. “We did a nice job of tightening up our pack. Though we placed third as a team, points-wise we were closer to Wisconsin than we did last year when we placed second.” Matt Barrett has battled injury throughout his career, but turned in his best performance as a Gopher on Sunday placing 15th, just one spot from All-Big Ten honors, in a time of 25:01.4. Barrett’s effort caught Plasencia’s attention. “As happy as I am for Hassan, I’m also pleased for Matt. He’s fought hard and he’s starting to put it all together.” Mike Torchia finished 16th with a time of 25:03.3, while Ben Blankenship completed the Gophers’ scoring five by finishing 26th in 25:16.3. Also competing were Sean Olson (32nd, 25:26.3), Mike McFarland (42nd, 25:33.0), Ben Puhl (46th, 25:36.5) and Ben Kampf (56th, 25:47.1).
2008 Golden Gopher Cross Country Results Name (Date) Location Matt Barrett Ben Blankenship Tim Bruhn Travis Burkstrand Pieter Gagnon Paul Hilsen Nick Hutton Ben Kampf David Krueger Kevin Lachowitzer Joe McFarland Mike McFarland Hassan Mead Sean Olson Ben Puhl Andy Richardson Chris Rombough Hans Storvick Mike Torchia (Individual Finish) Name (Date) Team Finish
Aztec Inv. (9/13) 8K Race San Diego, Calif. DNC 25:39 (21, 3) 26:57 (92, 8) DNC DNC 26:13 (54, 7) DNC 26:02 (40, 6) DNC DNC DNC 25:35 (19, 2) DNC 25:40 (23, 4) 25:57 (36, 5) DNC DNC DNC 25:19 (13, 1)
Roy Griak (9/27) 8K Race Falcon Heights, Minn. 25:13.0 (35, 4) 25:31.8 (63, 6) 27:43.7 (194, 12) DNC DNC 26:30.2 (135, 10) DNC 25:35.0 (69, 7) DNC DNC 27:08.0 (169, 11) 25:13.5 (36, 5) 24:07.4 (2, 1) 25:45.2 (81, 8) 25:46.2 (82, 9) DNC 24:34.9 (13, 2) DNC 24:54.9 (21, 3)
Pre-NCAA (10/18) 8K Race Terre Haute, Ind. DNC 24:47.8 (84, 5) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 25:04.7 (118, 6) DNC DNC DNC 25:06.8 (125, 7) 23:33.1 (3, 1) 24:41.2 (72, 4) DNC DNC 23:47.3 (8, 2) DNC 24:38.3 (67, 3)
Jim Drews (10/18) 8K Race West Salem, Wis. DNC DNC 26:06.1 (40, 3) DNC DNC 25:41.8 (22, 2) DNC DNC DNC DNC 26:14.5 (53, 4) DNC DNC DNC 25:06.6 (6, 1) DNC DNC DNC DNC
Big Ten (11/2) 8K Race Ann Arbor, Mich. 25:01.4 (15, 3) 25:16.3 (25, 5) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 25:47.1 (56, 9) DNC DNC DNC 25:33.0 (42, 7) 24:26.4 (1, 1) 25:26.3 (31, 6) 25”36.5 (46, 8) DNC 24:42.1 (3, 2) DNC 25:03.3 (16, 4)
NCAA Midwest (11/15) 10K Race Stillwater, Okla. 31:40.60 (19, 4) 31:28.45 (12, 3) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 31:56.85 (24, 6) 31:15.65 (1, 1) DNC 32:19.95 (40, 7) DNC 31:18.85 (2, 2) DNC 31:41.10 (20, 5)
NCAA Champ. (11/24) 10K Race Terre Haute, Ind. 31:23.6 (160, 4) 30:55.1 (100, 3) DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 31:27.0 (171, 5) 30:06.2 (31, 2) DNC 32:00.3 (214, 6) DNC 29:54.4 (17, 1) DNC 32:25.0 (231, 7)
Aztec Inv. (9/13) 8K Race 3rd of 15 (103) 12-18-20-22-31(34)-(45)
Roy Griak (9/27) 8K Race 4th of 25 (107) 2-13-21-35-36(62)-(66)
Pre-NCAA (10/18) 8K Race 5th of 41 (234) 3-8-67-72-84(118)-(125)
Jim Drews Inv. (10/18) 8K Race No Team Score
Big Ten (11/2) 8K Race 3rd of 10 (60) 1-3-15-16-25(31)-(40)
NCAA Midwest (11/15) 10K Race 2nd of 23 (51) 1-2-11-18-19(23)-(39)
NCAA Champ. (11/24) 10K Race 15th of 31 (385) 15-25-80-128-137(177)-(193)
Other results: St. Olaf Opener, (8/30, 5K, Northfield, Minn.): Tim Bruhn, 16, 26 (2); Paul Hilsen, 16:27 (3); Hans Storvick, 16:33 (5); Joe McFarland, 17:01 (11); Nick Hutton, 17:49 (21); David Krueger, 18:03 (22), St. John’s Fall Finale (11/8, 8K, Collegeville, Minn.): Paul Hilsen, 26:08 (5); Joe McFarland, 26:20 (6); David Krueger, 27:32 (21).Other results: Jim Drews Inv. (10/13, 8K West Salem, Wis.): Seijen Takamura (26:27.95 - 42), Tim Bruhn (26:29.54 - 44)
32 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
ROY GRIAK INVITATIONAL The jewel of the Golden Gophers’ home schedule each season is the prestigious Roy Griak Invitational The invitational is named after coaching legend Roy Griak, who was Minnesota’s head men’s cross country coach for 33 years and continues to work with the Gophers to this day. The meet has had various names, includimg the Minnesota Invitational and the Norstand Invitational, but regardless of what it has been called, it remains one of the nation’s largest cross country meets and always draws large crowds and the best competitors. The Minnesota Invitational was started by Griak and current Gopher women’s coach Gary Wilson in 1986. The name was changed in 1995 to the Norstand Invitational and was kept that way until 1997 when Wilson suggested calling the meet the Roy Griak Invitational to honor, who retired as head coach in 1996. The Griak Invitational is held every year on the last weekend in September at the Les Bolstad Golf Course in Falcon Heights and according to Griak, it’s an excellent course. “It’s a great course, but a very demanding course,” the former coach said. “Every team thinks it’s a great course and all the teams that come to compete year after year make this meet so special.” During the 23 years the meet has been in existence, it has grown from a large cross country meet to a national spectacle.
Last year, there were 25 NCAA Division I men’s teams in the Griak field, with four teams later advancing to the NCAA Championships. There were also 53 men’s NCAA Division II, III, or NAIA teams as well as numerous high school teams that competed at the Griak. The 2009 Griak Invitational will be no different. All in all, there are more than 350 men’s, women’s and high school teams numbering over 3,500 student-athletes, that will come to compete in the Griak Invitational. Adams State (Colo.) captured the Griak Gold Race crown last year with 75 points. Auburn junior Elkanah Kibet won the individual race with a time of 23:55.3. Minnesota placed fourth overall with Hassan Mead collecting runner-up honors. Drury (Mo.) won the Maroon II team title, while Wisconsin-LaCrosse captured the Maroon III crown. According to Griak, the meet is a lot more than a cross country race. It’s an event. “It’s a happening and more than a cross country race. It’s more like a county fair,” Griak said. “Several thousand gather to watch this meet. It’s one of the most prestigious meets in the country in terms of the course, the spectators and the competition.”
33 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
records & history
Roy Griak Invitational History/Results 2008 Men’s Gold (8K) Note: The 2008 Griak Invitational featured 345 teams and 3,433 runners. The Boys’ High School Race was renamed the Griak Larry Zirgibel Boys Gold High School Race. Team Champion: Adams State (Colo.) 75 Champion: Elkanah Kibet (Jr., Auburn), 23:55.3 Minnesota 4th, 107 Gophers’ top finisher: Hassan Mead, 2nd, 24:07.4 25 teams – 229 runners 2007 Men’s Gold (8K) Note: The 2007 Griak Invitational was the largest with 361 teams and 3,505 runners. The Men’s Maroon Race was split in II and III. The Women’s Maroon III set a record for the largest Griak race with 563 finishers. Team Champion: Northern Arizona, 84 Champion: Lopez Lomong (Jr.., Northern Arizona), 24:04.2 Minnesota, 4th, 107 Gophers’ top finisher: Chris Rombough, 3rd, 24:29.9 23 teams – 207 runners 2006 Men’s Gold (8K) Note: The 2006 Griak Invitational fielded 349 teams and 3,312 runners. Team Champion: Arizona, 142 Champion: Josh McDougal (Jr., Liberty), 24:15 Minnesota, 2nd, 153 Gophers’ top finisher: Antonio Vega, 13th, 24:56 34 teams – 301 runners 2005 Men’s Gold (8K) Note: The 2005 Griak Invitational numbers grew to 310 teams and 2,887 runners. Team Champion: BYU, 117 Champion: Simon Bairu (Sr., Wisconsin), 23:43 Minnesota, 7th, 232 Gophers’ top finisher: Ryan Malmin, 24th, 24:55 27 teams – 225 runners 2004 Men’s Gold (8K) Note: The 2004 Griak Invitational was contested with 275 teams and 2,627 runners. The high school fields were split into Gold and Maroon Races for the first time. Team Champion: Wisconsin, 21 Champion: Matt Tegenkamp (Sr., Wisconsin), 24:02 Minnesota, 4th, 180 Gophers’ top finisher: Andrew Carlson, 6th, 24:25 25 teams – 223 runners 2003 Men’s Gold (8K) Note: The 2003 Griak Invitational featured 242 teams and 2,310 runners. Team Champion: Wisconsin, 89 Champion: Kip Kangogo (Jr., BYU), 23:58 Minnesota, 12th, 320 Gophers’ top finisher: Erik Grumstrup, 43rd, 25:06 30 teams – 247 runners 2002 Men’s Gold (8K) Team Champion: Oregon, 96 Champion: Kip Kangogo (So., BYU), 23:38.9 Minnesota, 5th, 195 Gophers’ top finisher: Andrew Carlson, 10th, 24:44.0 27 teams – 231 runners 2001 Men’s Gold (8K) Note: The 2001 Roy Griak Invitational had 240 teams and 2,233 runners competing. Team Champion: Wisconsin, 129 Champion: Matt Tegenkamp (Fr., Wisconsin), 23:58.0 Minnesota, 17th, 415 Gophers’ top finisher: Will McComb, 14th, 24:35.0 36 teams – 311 runners
34 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
Griak Invitational Records and Facts Griak 8K Course Record: 23:38.9, Kip Kangogo (BYU), 2002 Lowest Winning Team Score: 15, Iowa State, 1989 Closest Team Finish: 3 pts., Wisconsin 79, Northern Arizona 82, 1996 Biggest Margin of Victory: 81 pts., (Wisconsin 22, Penn St 103, 1988 Closest Individual Finish: 1 second, Steve Brooks, Iowa State, 24:13; Anthony Riley, NC St., 24:14, 1993 Largest Individual Margin of Victory: 20 seconds, Keith Kelly, Providence, 24:12, 2000
1993 Men’s Gold (8K) Note: The collegiate men’s competition was run in one race, then scored into Division I (Gold) and Division II and III (Maroon) results. Team Champion: Iowa State, 40 Champion: Steve Brooks (Jr., Iowa State), 24:13 Minnesota 9th, 210 Gophers’ top finisher: Mark Narveson, 21st, 25:17 14 teams – 230 runners (Gold and Maroon combined) 1992 Men’s Gold (8K) Note: All divisions competed in the Men’s Gold Race. Team Champion: Adams State, 32 Champion: Ian Robinson (Jr., Iowa State), 24:26 Minnesota, 12th, 333 Gophers’; top finisher: Doug Milkowski, 45thm, 25:49 30 teams – 252 runners
2000 Men’s Gold (8K) Team Champion: Providence, 104 Champion: Keith Kelly (Sr., Providence), 24:12 Minnesota, 12th, 353 Gophers’ top finisher: Will McComb, 29th, 25:04 31 teams – 252 runners
1991 Men’s Gold (8K) Team Champion: South Florida, 57 Champion: Chris Payne (Sr., South Florida), 24:26 Minnesota, 15th, 450 Gophers’ top finisher: Curt Kotsonas, 61st, 25:43 33 teams – 265 runners
1999 Men’s Gold (8K) Team Champion: Wisconsin, 86 Champion: Steve Fein (Sr., Oregon), 24:13 Minnesota, 14th, 361 Gophers’ top finisher: Eric Pierce, 18th, 25:03 28 teams – 227 runners
1990 Men’s Gold (8K) Team Champion: Iowa State, 38 Champion: Jonah Koech (Iowa State), 24:26 Minnesota, 6th, 189 Gophers’ top finisher; Keith Eidman, 16th, 25:24 22 teams – 183 runners
1998 Men’s Gold (8K) Team Champion: Providence, 106 Champion: Ben Nood (Sr., Providence), 24:25 Minnesota, 5th, 139 Gophers’ top finisher: Jeremy Polson, 15th, 25:11 21 teams – 142 runners
1989 Men’s Gold (8K) Team Champion: Iowa State, 15 John Nuttall (Sr., Iowa State), 24:21 Minnesota, 4th, 122 Gophers’ top finisher: Keith Eidman, 10th, 25:17 15 teams – 113 runners
1997 Men’s Gold (8K) Team Champion: Wisconsin, 68 Champion: Ben Noad (Jr., Providence), 24:23.8 Minnesota, 3rd, 117 Gophers’ top finisher: Jeremy Polson, 9th, 24:58.5 15 teams – 117 runners
1988 Men’s Gold (8K) Team Champion: Wisconsin, 22 Champion: Chris Borsa (Wisconsin), 24:41 Minnesota, 6th, 166 Gophers’ top finisher: Chris Harder, 18th, 25:06 17 teams – 142 runners
1996 Men’s Gold (8K) Team Champion: Wisconsin, 79 Champion: Jonah Kiptanus (Jr., Nebraska), 23:57 Minnesota, 15th, 343 Gophers’ top finisher: Jeremy Polson, 44th, 25:27 19 teams – 150 runners
1987 Men’s Gold (8K) Team Champion: Wisconsin, 49 Champion: Bamaboa Korir (Iowa State), 24:04 Minnesota, tie 7th, 198 Gophers’ top finisher: Jon Korta, 35th, 25:44 15 teams – 106 runners
1995 Men’s Gold (8K) Team Champion: Wisconsin, 56 Champion: Dmitry Drozdov (Sr., Iowa State), 24:52 Minnesota, 13th, 325 Gophers’ top finisher: Rick Obleman, 36th, 26:00 31 teams – 259 runners
1986 Men’s Gold (8K) Team Champion: Wisconsin, 35 Champion: Jean Verster (Nebraska), 24:35 Minnesota, 6th, 151 Gophers’ top finisher: Paul Gisselquist, 10th, 25:10 10 teams – 88 runners
1994 Men’s Gold (8K) Note: The two high school races were added in 1994. The collegiate men’s competition was run in one race, then scored into Division I (Gold) and Division II and III (Maroon) results. Team Champion: Wisconsin, 35 Champion: Jason Casiano (Sr., Wisconsin), 24:08 Minnesota, 6th, 194 Gophers’ top finisher: Paul Michalek, 34th, 25:48 12 teams – 275 runners (Gold and Maroon combined)
records & history
Golden Gopher
ALL-AMERICANS GARRY BJORKLUND Garry Bjorklund holds the distinction of being the highest placing Golden Gopher at an NCAA Cross Country Championships, placing second to Oregon’s Steve Prefontaine in 1971. Bjorklund was clocked in a time of 29:20.8. A two-time cross country AllAmerican, Bjorklund also earned honors in 1969 with a sixth-place finish (29:35). He is the last Golden Gopher to win medalist honors at the Big Ten Championships, doing so in three consecutive seasons (1969, ‘70, ‘71). Bjorklund also experienced plenty of success on the track. He earned three All-America track honors and was the 6-mile run national champion in 1971. In Big Ten competition, Bjorklund collected six individual titles during his Gopher career. After closing his Gopher career, Bjorklund earned aspot on the 1976 U.S. Olympic Team and placed 13th in the 10,000-meter run.
DICK KILTY Dick Kilty was the first Golden Gopher to earn All-America honors in cross country in 1949. He received the honor by placing 11th in the 4-mile run at the NCAA Championships with a time of 20:53. Kilty placed fifth, sixth and third at the Big Ten Championships from 1947-1949. He was also the Big Ten indoor track two-mile run (9:35.1) champion in 1948.
STEVE PLASENCIA Steve Plasencia was a two-time All-American in cross country and holds the distinction of being the only harrier in Minnesota history to earn the team’s MVP award, the Fred O. Watson Award, four times. Plasencia first earned All-America honors with a 38th-place finish in 1976, then followed with another America performance with a 25th-ploace showing in 1978. He holds the school cross country records on 5-mile, 6-mile and 10,000meters courses. On the track, Plasencia added a pair of NCAA AllAmerica honors in the 5,000 meters. Plasencia continued his running career after graduation. He is a two-time Olympian, competing in the 10,000 meters in both teh 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games. In 1996, Plasencia took accepted the head coaching position at his alma mater. He has guided the Golden Gpohers to NCAA Championships appearnance in the last seven seasons.
HASSAN MEAD
GERALD METZLER Gerald Metzler earned All-America honors in 1978 but in an interesting twist of fate, and an NCAA oversight, he did not receive the honor until 1979. Metzler notched a 36th-place finish in 1978 and was thought to be 26th U.S.-born runner (the top 25 are honored as All-Americans). Coach Roy Griak discovered the error in the fall of 1979 when he had contacted the NCAA regarding an award to teammate Steve Plasencia that had not been receive.
Hassan Mead set Minnesota history in 2007 becoming the first true freshman to capture All-America honors. Mead finished 43rd at the NCAA Cross Country Championships after capturing Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors with a Conference runner-up showing. He was also the NCAA Midwest Region runner-up and went on to All-American honors on the track (5,000m) during his rookie campaign. Mead added his second All-America award in 2008 with a 31rd-place finish after winning the Big Ten and Midwest Region titles.
35 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
records & history
ANTONIO VEGA Antonio Vega became the ninth Golden Gopher All-American. Vega placed 44th in the 2005 NCAA meet to earn All-America acclaim as awarded by the Cross Country Coaches Association. Vega was the 2005 Midwest Region medalist and Midwest Region Runner of the Year. Finished his Gopher career as a four-time allregion honoree.
DAVE MORRISON Dave Morrison placed 13th at the NCAA Championshps in 1982 and 1984 to earn his pair of All-America citations. A three-time Fred O. Watson Award winner, Morrison still owns the school records over an 8,000-meter course. Morrison also earned NCAA All-America acclaim on the track, placing sixth in 1985.
RYAN MALMIN Ryan Malmin earned national acclaim by running to a 28th-place finish to collect All-America honors in 2004 as awarded by the Cross Country Coaches Association. Malmin was also a three-time all-region performer and a second-team All-Big Ten honoree in 2004 and 2005.
Minnesota All-Americans 1949 1956 1957 1969 1971 1976 1978 1981 1982 1984 2002 2004
LLOYD NESS Lloyd Ness was named a coaches’ All-American in 1981 after placing 36th individually and leading the team to a 12th-place showing at the NCAA Chamapionships. Ness was the Fred O. Watson Award winner that season. He holds the school record over the 8,000-meter course at Les Bolstad. On the track, Ness captured NCAA All-America honors in the 10,000 meters with an eighth-place finish in 1982.
2005 2006 2007
2008
Dick Kilty 11th Leonard Edelen 9th Leonard Edelen 4th Garry Bjorklund 6th Garry Bjorklund 2nd Steve Plasencia 38th* Steve Plasencia 25th Gerald Metzler 36th* Lloyd Ness 36th* Dave Morrison 13th Dave Morrison 13th Andrew Carlson 32nd* Ryan Malmin 28th* Andrew Carlson 37th* Antonio Vega 44th* Chris Rombough 14th* Chris Rombough 29th* Hassan Mead 43rd* Forrest Tahdooahnippah 58th* Chris Rombough 17th* Hassan Mead 31st
* Among the top 25 American finishers
36 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
20:53 (4 miles) 20:33 (4 miles) 19:44 (4 miles) 29:35 (6 miles) 29:20.8 (6 miles) 29:26.6 (10K) 30:12.8 (10K) 30:22.9 (10K) 30:09.8 (10K) 30:34.6 (10K) 30:06.4 (10K) 30:29.2 (10K) 21:39.2 (10K) 31:48.7 (10K) 30:24.1 (10K) 31:16.9 (10K) 30:24.8 (10K) 30:37.6 (10K) 30:44.0 (10K) 29:54.4 (10K) 30:06.2 (10K)
records & history
FORREST TAHDOOAHNIPPAH Forrest Tahdooahnippah captured All-America honors in 2007, his first and only season at Minnesota. Tahdooahnippah placed 58th at the NCAA Championships. He competed for Minnesota for one season as a graduate student attending law school Tahdooahnippah received his undergraduate degree at Stanford.
ANDREW CARLSON Andrew Carlson was a two-time coaches’ All-American in 2002 and 2004, winning NCAA Midwest Region titles, the NCAA Midwest Runner of the Year Award and the Fred O. Watson Award honors in those same two seasons. Carlson, who owns the thirdfastest 10K time in school history, also placed fourth in the Big Ten in 2004.
LEONARD EDELEN Leonard Edelden was a two-time cross country All-American for the Golden Gophers in 1956 and 1957. Edelen ran to his first honor by placing ninth in the 1956 NCAA meet, covering the 4-mile course in 20:33. The following season, he moved up to fourth-place finishing in a time of 19:44 at the national meet held in East Lansing, Mich. Edelen was also the Big Ten champion in 1957, runnning a time of 21.09.4 over four miles. Following his Minnesota career, Edelen continued to compete. He made the 1964 U.S. Olympic Team and placed sixth in the marathon.
CHRIS ROMBOUGH Chris Rombough is the first three-time All-American for the Gophers. He earned his first All-America citation by placing 14th at the 2006 NCAA Championships. Rombough joined an elite group of Golden Gophers (Leonard Edelen, Garry Bjorklund and later Hassan Mead) to capture All-America honors after winning a Big Ten title. Rombough, honored as the Big Ten’s Runner of the Year, was also the 2007 NCAA Midwest Region runner-up. Rombough added his second All-America citation in 2007 with a 29th-place finish at the NCAA meet and his final honor in 2008 with a 17th-place showing.
37 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
records & history
Minnesota in the
NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS 1945 Championship site: East Lansing, Mich. Team finish: na Place Bill Schimmel 31
Bob Weigel John Valentine Mike Elwell Time 23:04
1949 Championship site: East Lansing, Mich. Team finish: na Place Dick Kilty* 11
Time 20:53.0
1956 Championship site: East Lansing, Mich. Team finish: na Place Leonard Edelen* 9
Time 20:33
1957 Championship site: East Lansing, Mich. Team finish: na Place Leonard Edelen* 4
Time 19:44
1963 Championship site: East Lansing, Mich. Team finish: n/a Place Norris Peterson 55 Jim Day 107 Wayne Triebwasser 157 Ray Miller 158
Time 20:58 21:37 22:55 23:03
1964 Championship site: East Lansing, Mich. Team finish: 15th, 359 points Place Team Dave Wegner 59 49 Norris Peterson 73 60 Tom Heinonen 78 63 Stan Gaffin 118 92
Time 21:23.8 21:29.7 21:31.2 22:02.0
Don Timm
38 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
121 122 166
95 96 135
1966 Championship site: Lawrence, Kan. — 6 miles Team finish: No team score Place Team Tom Heinonen 52 37 Ed Twoney 93 74 Dick Aften 148 115 Curt Dockter 152 117 Steve Hoag DNF Bob Wagner DNF John Valentine DNF 1968 Championship site: New York, N.Y. — 6 miles Team finish: 4th, 239 points Place Team Steve Hoag 34 20 Bob Wagner 67 41 Ed Twoney 74 47 Tom Page 102 65 Pat Kelly 103 66 Curt Dockter 141 94 Ben Grokett DNF 1969 Championship site: New York, N.Y. — 6 miles Team finish: 7th, 295 points Place Team Garry Bjorklund* 6 4 Don Timm 29 14 Tom Page 109 72 Mike Hanley 116 78 Gene Daly 177 124 Pat Kelly 180 126 Terry Thomas DNF
Tim Oliver
22:05.2 22:05.3 23:02.7
Time 31:32 32:44 33:48 34:05
Time 30:21 30:58 31:04 31:28 31:29 32:06
Time 29:37 30:13 31:28 31:49 31:59 33:00
1970 Championship site: Williamsburg, Pa. Team finish: 12th, 403 points Place Team Don Timm 61 40 Greg Nelson 93 65 Tom Page 105 170 John Hopko 146 105 Mike Lawless 178 123 Gene Daly 221 205 Mike Hanley DNF 1971 Championship site: Knoxville, Tenn. Team finish: na Place Garry Bjorklund* 2
Time 29:30 29:47 29:52 30:15 30:31 32:32
Time 29:21
1972 Championship site: Houston, Texas. Team finish: na Place Dennis Fee 27
Time 29:28
1973 Championship site: Spokane, Wash. Team finish: 19th, 381 points Place Team Dennis Fee 59 35 Tim Oliver 100 56 Gary Bjorklund 147 89 Brian Berkner 163 100 Steven Holl 164 101 Brad Holmberg 177 na Steve Croy 179 na
Time 29:49.8 30:21.0 30:46.0 31:07.2 31:07.6 31:24.4 31:29.2
Garry Bjorklund is the Gophers’ top finisher at the NCAA Championships, placing second in 1971 to Oregon’s Steve Prefontaine in Knoxville, Tenn. Bjorklund holds U of M course records in both five and six mile races. He set the five-mile record on Nov. 7, 1970 in the Northwest Open and set the six-mile record at the Big Ten Championships on Nov. 13, 1971. (Photo by George Phillips)
records & history
Eric Pierce
Jeremy Polson
Ryan Malmin
1974 Championship site: Bloomington, Ind. Team finish: 20th, 449 points Place Team Steve Plasencia 48 35 Dennis Fee 102 74 Brad Holmberg 135 97 Tim Oliver 172 119 Brian Berkner 178 124 Steve Holl 233 167 James Thomas 243 175
Time 30:57.00 31:39.54 31:55.90 32:12.83 32:16.91 33:28.50 33:49.50
1981 Championship site: Wichita Kan. Team finish: 12th, 329 points Place Lloyd Ness** 36 John Idstrom 66 John Koehn 86 Dallas Allaire 114 John Kromer 142 Don Hurley 167 Dave Morrison 185
1997 Championship site: Greenville, S.C. — 10K Team finish: 18th, 424 points Place Team Eric Pierce 60 44 Tony Riter 83 64 Jeremy Polson 121 97 Eric Hartmark 125 100 Charles McClure 146 119 Michael Stoick 151 123 Chad Johnson 168 138
Time 30:51 31:09 31:44 31:47 32:13 32:18 33:04
Time 29:27
1982 Championship site: Bloomington, Ind. Team finish: na Place Dave Morrison* 13
Time 30:34.9
1984 Championship site: State College, Pa. Team finish: na Place Dave Morrison* 13
Time 30:06.4
1998 Championship site: Lawrence, Kan. — 10K Team finish: 24th, 552 points Place Team Eric Pierce 73 59 Jeremy Polson 121 95 Joe Corr 153 123 Mike Stoick 161 130 Josh Brang 179 145 Charles McClure 201 166 Andrew McKessock 205 169
Time 31:47.00 32:22.70 32:44.70 32:51.00 33:08.40 33:30.90 33:34.10
1999 Championship site: Bloomington, Ind. Team finish: 15th, 392 points Place Team Andrew McKessock 64 49 Jeremy Polson 97 75 Joe Corr 102 79 Eric Pierce 106 81 Will McComb 136 108 Josh Brang 146 118 Jason Owen 187 152
Time 31:41.00 32:03.70 32:06.00 32:07.70 32:33.60 32:38.80 33:13.20
1976 Championship site: Denton, Texas. — 10K Team finish: na Place Steve Plasencia* 38 1978 Championship site: Madison, Wis. — 10K Team finish: 11th, 302 points Place Team Steve Plasencia 25 21 Gerald Metzler 36 27 Gordon Weaver 71 49 Don Hurley 121 84 Joseph Nabbefeld 153 108 John Idstrom 181 131 John Griffin 186 135 1979 Championship site: Bethlehem, Pa. — 10K Team finish: na Place Gerald Metzler 113 Don Hurley 205 1980 Championship site: Wichita, Kan. Team finish: na Place Lloyd Ness 179
Time 30:12.8 30:22.9 30:49.1 31:20.2 31:41.1 32:04.5 32:09.3
Time 31:10.1 32:38.0
Time 31;45.3
Team 26 48 61 86 108 131 149
Time 30:09.8 30:32.8 30:55.2 31:18.8 31:47.3 32:23.8 33:08.7
1985 Championship site: Milwaukee, Wis. Team finish: na Place Paul Gisselquist 41
Time 30:44.63
1986 Championship site: Tucson, Ariz. Team finish: na Place Paul Gisselquist 106
Time 32:49.30
1993 Championship site: Lehigh, Pa. Team finish: na Place Curt Kotsonas 133
Time 32:08.7
39 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
records & history 2000 Championship site: Ames, Iowa Team finish: 24th, 542 points Place Will McComb 56 Jason Owen 98 Andrew McKessock 144 Joe Corr 182 Luke Mullranin 194 Neil Hanson 236 Scott Utne 247 2001 Championship site: Greenville, S.C. Team finish: 25th, 584 points Place Will McComb 72 Toby Henkels 114 Ryan Ford 151 Erik Grumstrup 177 Andrew Carlson 198 Josh DoBell 216 Neil Hanson 224
Team 42 76 115 149 160 199 209
Team 59 90 123 146 166 183 191
2002 Championship site: Terre Haute, Ind. Team finish: 17th, 449 points Place Team Andrew Carlson* 32 28 Ryan Malmin 74 57 Will McComb 114 88 Andrew McKessock 153 120 Michael Bialick 191 156 Toby Henkels 208 171 2003 Championship site: Waterloo, Iowa Team finish: 26th, 557 points Place Team Ryan Malmin 88 69 Luke Mullranin 120 93 Antonio Vega 141 110 Erik Grumstrup 170 137 Michael Bialick 183 148 Ryan Ford 193 157 Martin Robeck 204 167
Time 31:21.7 31:34.7 32:06.0 32:26.2 32:31.1 33:28.3 34:03.1
2004 Championship site: Terre Haute, Ind. Team finish: T-18th, 453 points Place Team Ryan Malmin* 28 19 Andrew Carlson* 37 27 Michael Bialick 141 106 Antonio Vega 171 133 Josh DoBell 208 168 Justin Grunewald 212 172 Ryan Ford 221 180
Time 30:39 31:08 31:30 31:49 32:05 32:34 32:49
2005 Championship site: Terre Haute, Ind. Team finish: 20th, 514 points Place Team Antonio Vega* 44 34 Ryan Malmin 86 64 Chris Rombough 105 79 Erik Grumstrup 202 167 David VanOrsdel 205 170 Justin Grunewald 211 175 Luke Walker 217 181
Time 30:29.2 30:56.0 31:14.5 31:36.2 32:03.9 32:23.6
Time 30:47.7 31:01.0 31:09.8 31:27.6 31:32.1 31:41.3 31:48.9
40 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
Time 30:24.1 30:53.7 30:59.5 31:55.8 31:57.3 32:02.8 32:07.2
2006 Championship site: Terre Haute, Ind. Team finish: na Place Chris Rombough* 14
Time 31:16.9
2007 Championship site: Terre Haute, Ind. Team finish: 8th, 322 points Place Team Chris Rombough* 29 20 Hassan Mead* 43 32 Forrest Tahdooahnippah* 58 57 Justin Grunewald 120 95 Mike McFarland 161 128 Rick Furseth 175 142 Ben Puhl 208 172
Time 30:24.8 30:37.6 30:44.0 31:19.6 31:36.5 31:42.5 32:19.5
2008 Championship site: Terre Haute, Ind. Team finish: 15th, 385 points Place Team Chris Rombough* 17 15 Hassan Mead* 31 25 Ben Blankenship 100 80 Matt Barrett 160 128 Mike McFarland 171 137 Ben Puhl 214 177 Mike Torchia 231 193
Time 29:54.4 30:06.2 30:55.1 31:23.6 31:27.0 32:00.3 32:25.0
*Among the top 25 American finishers
Will McComb
Time 21:39.2 31:48.7 33:00.9 33:21.4 33:54.2 33:59.3 34:18.0
Andrew McKessock
Top Individual NCAA Championships Finishes 2 4 6 9 11 13 14 17 25 27 28 29 31 32 34 36 37 38 41 43 44 48 52 55 56 58 59 60 61 64 66 67 70 71 72 73 74 78 83 86 88 93 97 98 100
Garry Bjorklund Leonard Edelen Garry Bjorklund Leonard Edelen Dick Kilty Dave Morrison Dave Morrison Chris Rombough Chris Rombough Steve Plasencia Dennis Fee Ryan Malmin Don Timm Chris Rombough Bill Schimmel Hassan Mead Andrew Carlson Steve Hoag Gerald Metzler Lloyd Ness Andrew Carlson Steve Plasencia Paul Gisselquist Hassan Mead Antonio Vega Steve Plasencia Tom Heinonen Norris Peterson Will McComb Forrest Tahdooahnippah Dave Wegner Dennis Fee Eric Pierce Don Timm Andrew McKessock John Idstrom Bob Wagner Tom Page Gordon Weaver Will McComb Norris Peterson Eric Pierce Ed Twomey Ryan Malmin Tom Heinonen Tony Riter John Keohen Ryan Malmin Ryan Malmin Ed Twomey Greg Nelson Jeremy Polson Jason Owen Tim Oliver Ben Blankenship
1971 1957 1969 1956 1949 1982 1984 2006 2008 1978 1972 2004 1969 2007 1945 2008 2002 1968 1978 1981 2004 1976 1985 2007 2005 1974 1966 1963 2000 2007 1964 1973 1997 1970 1999 1981 1968 1970 1978 2001 1964 1998 1968 2002 1964 1997 1981 2005 2003 1966 1970 1999 2000 1973 2008
records & history
Golden Gopher
AWARDS & HONORS BIG TEN CHAMPIONS 1913 1914 1915 1957 1969 1970 1971 2006 2008
Fred Watson 26:44.5 (5 mi.) Fred Watson na (5 mi.) Fred Watson 26.14.0 (5 mi.) Leonard Edelen 21:09.4 (4 mi.) Garry Bjorklund 25:52.4 (5 mi.) Garry Bjorklund 24:33.7 (5 mi.) Garry Bjorklund 29:20.8 (6 mi.) Chris Rombough 24:05 (8K) Hassan Mead 24:26.4 (8K)
BIG TEN TEAM CHAMPIONS 1909 1914 1964 1969
BIG TEN FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR 1999 2007
U.S. TRACK/CROSS COUNTRY COACHES ASSOCIATION ALLACADEMIC TEAM 1998 Joe Corr 1999 Joe Corr 2002 Ryan Malmin 2007 Justin Grunewald Forrest Tahdooahnippah
ACADEMIC ALL-BIG TEN (ORIGINATED IN 1986) 1986 1987 1988 1989
ALL-BIG TEN FIRST TEAM 1984 1985 1986 1996 2004 2006 2007
Dave Morrison Paul Gisselquist Paul Gisselquist Rick Obleman Andrew Carlson Chris Rombough Hassan Mead Chris Rombough 2008 Hassan Mead Chris Rombough (N ote: A ll-Big T en teams were first named in 1984.)
1990
1991
1992 1993
ALL-BIG TEN SECOND TEAM 1984 1988 1989 1992 1993 1998
1999
2000 2001 2002 2004 2005 2006 2007
Dave Morrison Frank Bjorkli Keith Erdman Doug Milkowski Doug Milkowski Mark Narveson Rick Obleman Joe Corr Michael Stoick Charles McClure Eric Pierce Jeremy Polson Will McComb Andrew McKessock Joe Corr Will McComb Andrew Carlson Andrew Carlson Ryan Malmin Ryan Malmin Ryan Malmin Antonio Vega Antonio Vega Forrest Tahdooahnippah
Will McComb Hassan Mead
1994
1995
1996
1997 1998
1999
Paul Gisselquist Jon Korta Jon Korta Todd Beetcher Jon Korta Todd Beetcher Keith Eidman Sean Fitzgerald Dan Hebl Chris Schmid Jeff Svedahl Keith Eidman Dan Fumo Mark Narveson Chris Schmid Sean Fitzgerald Dan Fumo Dan LeCloux Chris Schmid Mark Narveson Jason Rathe Mark Gonzales Paul Michalek Mark Narveson Jason Rathe Kurt Runzheimer Kevin Dunbar Mark Gonzales Neal Janquart Paul Michalek Rick Obleman Jason Rathe Neal Janquart Paul Michalek Rick Obleman Nate Clay Ron Hoffner Todd Langraff Charles McClure Charles McClure Eric Hartmark Nate Clay Joe Corr Ron Hoffner, Charles McClure Jason Owen Eric Hartmark Chuck Smith Nate Clay Chuck Smith Jason Owen Joe Corr
2000
2001 2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Erik Quam Scott Utne Andy Kummer Joe Corr Jason Owen Andy Kummer Luke Mullranin Mike Bialick Josh DoBell Mike Bialick Josh Dobell Erik Grumstrup Ryan Malmin Luke Mullranin Eric Quam Mike Bialick Josh DoBell Erik Grumstrup Ben Hanson Ryan Malmin Luke Mullranin Tom Schmidt Mike Bialick Josh DoBell Ben Hanson Trent Riter Erik Grumstrup Justin Grunewald Ben Hanson Todd Johnson Ben Puhl Trent Riter Seijen Takamura Justin Grunewald Todd Johnson Ben Kampf Ben Puhl Seijen Takamura David VanOrsdel Matt Barrett Rick Furseth Justin Grunewald Ben Kampf David Krueger Mike McFarland Ben Puhl Seijen Takamura Mike Torchia Matt Barrett Ben Kampf Mike McFarland Ben Puhl Mike Torchia
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001 2002
2003
2004
2005
2006 2007
2008
Eric Pierce Chad Johnson Jeremy Polson Eric Pierce Joe Corr Jeremy Polson Eric Pierce Andrew McKessock Joe Corr Jeremy Polson Will McComb Joe Corr Andrew McKessock Will McComb Andrew Carlson (champion) Ryan Ford Ryan Malmin Luke Mullranin Antonio Vega Martin Robeck Ryan Ford Andrew Carlson (champion) Ryan Malmin Antonio Vega Josh DoBell Antonio Vega (champion) Ryan Malmin Chris Rombough Chris Rombough Antonio Vega Hassan Mead Chris Rombough Forrest Tahdooahnippah Justin Grunewald Mike McFarland Hassan Mead (champion) Chris Rombough Ben Blankenship Matt Barrett Mike Torchia Mike McFarland
Paul Gisselquist
Chris Rombough
ALL-REGION HONORS 1973 1974 1978
1979 1980 1981
1982 1990 1992
Dennis Fee Steve Plasencia Steve Plasencia Gerald Metzler Gordon Weaver Gerald Metzler Don Hurley Lloyd Ness Lloyd Ness Dallas Allaire John Idstrom John Keohen Dave Morrison Chris Harder Doug Milkowski
41 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
records & history
Fred O. Watson Award In 1913, 1914 and 1915, the late Fred O. Watson became the first Minnesota and Big Ten Conference runner to capture the league individual cross country championship three consecutive years. In 1967, Coach Roy Griak instituted the Fred O. Watson Award, a permanent trophy to be awarded after Fred Watson each season to the most valuable Gopher cross country runner as chosen by his fellow teammates. The honorees are listed below: 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Steve Hoag Steve Hoag Garry Bjorklund Garry Bjorklund Garry Bjorklund Mike Lawless Dennis Fee Steve Plasencia Tim Oliver Steve Plasencia Steve Plasencia Steve Plasencia Gerald Metzler Don Hurley Lloyd Ness Dave Morrison John Kromer Dave Morrison Paul Gisselquist Paul Gisselquist Frank Bjorkli Frank Bjorkli Chris Harder Keith Eidman Keith Eidman Doug Milkowski Doug Milkowski Mark Narveson Curt Kotsonas Jason Boon Rick Obleman Rick Obleman Rick Obleman Eric Pierce Eric Pierce Eric Pierce Will McComb Will McComb Andrew Carlson Luke Mullranin Andrew Carlson Antonio Vega Chris Rombough (co-) Hassan Mead, Chris Rombough (co-) Hassan Mead, Chris Rombough
42 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
1964 Big Ten Cross Country Champions: Bottom - Dave Wegner, Stan Gaffin, Mike Elwell, Norris Peterson. Top - Coach Roy Griak, John Valentine, Tom Heinonen, Bob Weigel
1969 Big Ten Cross Country Champions: Bottom - Dean Swanson, Carter Holmes, Gene Daly, Mike Hanley, Tom Page, Greg Nelson. Top - John Hopko, Pat Kelly, Garry Bjorklund, Terry Thomas, Don Timm, Mike Lawless, Coach Roy Griak
Outstanding Team Performances Year 1909 1914 1964 1964 1968 1969 1969 1970 1973 1974 1978 1981 1999 1999 2001 2002
Finish Big Ten Champions Big Ten Champions Big Ten Champions 15th (NCAA) 4th (NCAA) Big Ten Champions 7th (NCAA) 12th (NCAA) 19th (NCAA) 20th (NCAA) 11th (NCAA) 12th (NCAA) District V Champions 15th (NCAA) Midwest Region Champions 17th (NCAA)
Points 40 45 27 359 239 40 295 403 381 449 302 329 56 392 78 449
Year 2004 2007 2008
Finish Points T-18th (NCAA), Midwest Champ 453 8th (NCAA) 322 15th (NCAA) 385
records & history
All-Time
RESULTS YEAR COACH
CAPTAIN(S)
DUALS CONF
REGION
NCAA
YEAR COACH
CAPTAIN(S)
DUALS CONF
REGION
NCAA
1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957
—— —— —— —— Dick Grant Dick Grant Dick Grant Leonard Frank Leonard Frank Leonard Frank Leonard Frank Leonard Frank Leonard Frank Nelson Metcalf Nelson Metcalf Nelson Metcalf Sherman Finger E.W. Iverson E.W. Iverson Sherman Finger Sherman Finger Sherman Finger Sherman Finger Sherman Finger Sherman Finger —— —— —— —— —— Jim Kelly Jim Kelly Jim Kelly Jim Kelly Jim Kelly Jim Kelly Jim Kelly Jim Kelly Jim Kelly Jim Kelly Jim Kelly Jim Kelly Jim Kelly Jim Kelly Jim Kelly Jim Kelly Jim Kelly Jim Kelly Jim Kelly Jim Kelly
—— —— —— —— —— 0-1 1-0 0-1 0-1 0-1 0-1 0-1 1-1 0-2 0-2 0-2 0-2 0-2 0-2 0-2 0-2 1-1 0-2 1-1 1-0 —— —— —— —— —— —— —— 0-1 2-0 0-1 —— —— 0-1 0-1 0-1 1-1 3-1 1-3 3-1 0-3 —— 0-4 2-2 2-0 3-2
—— 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 6th 1st 4th 4th WWI WWI 4th 6th 8th 6th 7th 11th 7th 6th 3rd 6th 5th 7th 6th 3rd —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— 5th 4th —— 6th —— —— —— 5th 4th 5th
—— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— ——
—— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— ——
1971 1972
Roy Griak Roy Griak
7th 4th
—— ——
—— ——
1973 1974 1975 1976
Roy Griak Roy Griak Roy Griak Roy Griak
5-0 13-2 11-7 21-3
7th 5th 7th 3rd
5th(T) 5th —— 4th
19th 20th —— ——
1977 1978 1979
Roy Griak Roy Griak Roy Griak
12-1 10-1 7-3
6th 3rd 5th
—— 3rd 7th
—— 11th ——
1980 1981
Roy Griak Roy Griak
9-1 2-1
5th 3rd
6th 2nd
—— 12th
1982 1983
Roy Griak Roy Griak
—— 1-4
3rd 7th
6th ——
—— ——
1984
Roy Griak
4-1
6th
——
——
1985
Roy Griak
3-1
8th
——
——
1986
Roy Griak
1-0
7th
——
——
—— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— ——
1987
Roy Griak
1-0
8th
——
——
1988
Roy Griak
2-0
5th
7th
——
1989
Roy Griak
1-1
3rd
10th
——
1990
Roy Griak
1-1
5th
7th
——
1991 1992
Roy Griak Roy Griak
0-2 0-2
9th 9th
18th 12th
—— ——
1993
Roy Griak
0-2
4th
5th
——
1994
Roy Griak
0-0
6th
12th
——
1995
Roy Griak
0-0
9th
16th
——
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
Steve Plasencia Steve Plasencia Steve Plasencia Steve Plasencia Steve Plasencia
1-0 —— —— 0-1 ——
7th 4th 4th 3rd 5th
9th 2nd* 3rd* 1st* 3rd
—— 18th 24th 15th 24th
2001
Steve Plasencia
——
7th
1st
25th
Jim Kelly Jim Kelly
4-1 4-2
5th 3rd
—— ——
—— ——
2002
Steve Plasencia
——
5th
2nd
17th
1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970
Jim Kelly Jim Kelly Jim Kelly Roy Griak Roy Griak Roy Griak Roy Griak Roy Griak Roy Griak Roy Griak Roy Griak
5-1 0-4-1 3-2 4-1 5-1 4-1 6-0 5-2 5-1 8-0 5-0
5th —— 7th 3rd 1st 3rd 4th 2nd 2nd 1st 2nd
—— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— ——
—— —— —— —— 15th —— —— —— 4th 7th 12th
2003 2004 2005
Steve Plasencia Steve Plasencia Steve Plasencia
—— —— ——
6th 4th 3rd
2nd 1st 4th
26th T-18th 20th
2006
Steve Plasencia
——
3rd
6th
——
2007
Steve Plasencia
——
2nd
2nd
8th
2008
Steve Plasencia
Garry Bjorklund Garry Bjorklund Mike Lawless Brian Berkner Tim Oliver Tim Oliver Brad Holmberg Rick Zbikowski Steve Plasencia Gerald Metzler Gerald Metzler Dave Chatelaine Joe Nabbefield Don Hurley John Idstrom John Keohen John Kromer Dave Morrison John Kromer Dave Morrison Paul Gisselquist David Duvick Paul Gisselquist Robert Miller Jon Korta Carson Hoeft Frank Bjorkli Carson Hoeft Keith Eidman Eric Overby Keith Eidman Chris Harder Doug Milkowski Doug Milkowski Mark Narveson Curt Kotsonas Mark Narveson Mark Gonzales Jason Rathe Jason Boon Paul Michalek Rick Obleman Rick Obleman Tony Riter Charles McClure Eric Pierce Jason Owen Joe Corr Luke Mullranin Andrew McKessock Will McComb Andrew McKessock Andrew Carlson Andrew Carlson Erik Grumstrup Ryan Malmin David VanOrsdel Antonio Vega Chris Rombough Seijen Takamura Ben Puhl Chris Rombough
4-1 3-2
1958 1959
—— Harold Hull —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— Harold Binger Errol Anderson Ceylon North Ted Rasmussen John Currell John Currell Erhardt Bremer —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— Jim Nancock Dennis Hanson —— Paul Noreen Jim Newman Arnie Beck Don Brown Bill Erickson Bart Bontems Bill Erickson Bart Bontems Rod Lazorik Lyle Myers Jim Day Norris Peterson Mike Elwell Tom Heinonen Dick Aften Steve Hoag Pat Kelly Tom Page Don Timm
——
3rd
2nd
15th
—— ——
*NCAA District V
43 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
records & history
Records 8,000 METERS, ALL COURSES 23.33.1 Hassan Mead, Pre-NCAA (at Terre Haute, Ind.), 10/18/08 23:39.7 Chris Rombough, Pre-NCAA (at Terre Haute, Ind.), 10/13/07 23:45.0 Hassan Mead, Pre-NCAA (at Terre Haute, Ind.), 10/13/07 23:47.3 Chris Rombough, Pre-NCAA (at Terre Haute, Ind.), 10/18/08 23:47.70 Hassan Mead, Big Ten Championships (at Columbus, Ohio), 10/28/07 23:50.4 Dave Morrison, Wisconsin Duals (at Madison, Wis.), 9/29/84 23:54.48 Chris Rombough, Big Ten Championships (at Columbus, Ohio), 10/28/07 23:55.0 Paul Gisselquist, Central Collegiate Invitational (at Normal, Ill.), 10/18/86 23:59.0 Gerald Metzler, Big Ten Championships (at Columbus, Ohio), 11/3/79 24:00 Andrew Carlson, Big Ten Championships (at Iowa City, Iowa), 10/31/04 8,000 METERS, U OF M COURSE 24:07.4 Hassan Mead, Griak Invitational, 9;27/08 24:16.0 Lloyd Ness, Big Ten Championships, 11/7/81 24:24.1 Dallas Allaire, Big Ten Championships, 11/7/81 24:25 Andrew Carlson, Griak Invitational, 9/25/04 24:29.9 Chris Rombough, Griak Invitational, 9/29/07 24:34.9 Chris Rombough, Griak Invitational, 9/27/08 24:35.0 Will McComb, Griak Invitational, 9/29/01 24:39.8 John Keohen, Big Ten Championships, 11/7/81 24:40.1 Hassan Mead, Griak Invitational, 9/29/07 24:41.9 John Idstrom, Big Ten Championships, 11/7/81 10,000 METERS, ALL COURSES 29:26.6 Steve Plasencia, NCAA Championships (at Denton, Texas), 11/22/76 29:45.4 Dave Morrison, District IV Championships (at Mahomet, Ill.), 11/10/84 29:48.44 Andrew Carlson, NCAA Midwest Regional (at Peoria, Ill.), 11/13/04 29:54.4 Chris Rombough, NCAA Championships (at Terre Haute, Ind.), 11/24/08 29:57 Hassan Mead, NCAA Midwest Regional (at Peoria, Ill.), 11/10/07 30:06.2 Hassan Mead, NCAA Championships (at Terre Haute, Ind.), 11/24/08 30:08 Chris Rombough, NCAA Midwest Regional (at Peoria, Ill.), 11/10/07 30:09.8 Lloyd Ness, NCAA Championships (at Wichita, Kan.), 11/23/81 30:09.96 Ryan Malmin, NCAA Midwest Regional (at Peoria, Ill.), 11/13/04 30:19.0 Brad Holmberg, District IV Championships (at Champaign, Ill.), 11/13/76 10,000 METERS, U OF M COURSE 30:32.8 Steve Plasencia, Region 4 Championships, 11/12/78 30:47.19 Chris Rombough, NCAA Midwest Region Championships, 11/11/06 31:07.04 Antonio Vega, NCAA Midwest Region Championships, 11/11/06 31:10.8 Gerald Metzler, Region 4 Championships, 11/12/78 31:22.0 Don Hurley, vs. Wisconsin, 10/6/79 31:25.6 Gordon Weaver, Region 4 Championships, 11/12/78 31:33.3 John Keohen, vs. Wisconsin, 10/3/81 31:39.7 John Idstrom, Region 4 Championships, 11/12/78 31:48.0 Joe Nabbefeld, Region 4 Championships, 11/12/78 32:03.54 Ben Puhl, NCAA Midwest Region Championships, 11/11/06
Top Big Ten Championship Finishes 1st Place Fred Watson Fred Watson Fred Watson Leonard Edelen Garry Bjorklund Garry Bjorklund Garry Bjorklund Chris Rombough Hassan Mead
Year 1913 1914 1915 1957 1969 1970 1971 2006 2008
2nd Place Norris Peterson Don Timm Don Timm Hassan Mead
1964 1969 1970 2007
3rd Place John Currell Dick Kilty Steve Hoag Tom Page Chris Rombough
1930 1949 1967 1969 2008
4th Place Errol Anderson Ceylon North John Currell Leonard Edelen Norris Peterson Tom Heinonen Steve Plasencia Paul Gisselquist Paul Gisselquist Andrew Carlson Chris Rombough
1928 1928 1931 1957 1963 1964 1976 1985 1986 2004 2007
5th Place Dick Kilty Steve Plasencia
1947 1977
6th Place Errol Anderson John Currell Dick Kilty Dennis Fee Steve Plasencia
1929 1932 1948 1972 1978
RETIRED RECORDS - DISTANCE IN MILES FOUR MILES, ALL COURSES 19:26.1 Tom Heinonen, vs. Northwestern (at Wilmette, Ill.), 11/5/66 FOUR MILES, U OF M COURSE 19:47.8 Tom Heinonen, vs. Drake, 9/24/66 FIVE MILES, ALL COURSES 23:51.0 Steve Plasencia, Big Ten Championships (at Glen Ellyn, Ill.), 11/6/76 FIVE MILES, U OF M COURSE 24:21.6 Garry Bjorklund, Northwest Open, 11/7/70 SIX MILES, ALL COURSES 28:52.0 Steve Plasencia, vs. Wisconsin (at Madison, Wis.), 10/2/76 SIX MILES, U OF M COURSE 29:20.8 Garry Bjorklund, Big Ten Championships, 11/13/71 44 * Minnesota Men’s Cross Country
Lloyd Ness held the record for the 8,000 meters on a U of M course for 27 years with a time of 24:16.0 which he achieved at the Big Ten Championships on Nov. 7, 1981. Hassan Mead broke the record in 2008
7th Place Errol Anderson Tom Page Rick Obleman
1927 1968 1996
8th Place Mike Hanley Gerald Metzler Dave Morrison Mark Narveson Eric Pierce Will McComb
1969 1980 1982 1993 1999 2000
9th Place Steve Hoag Jeremy Polson
1966 1999
10th Place Tom Heinonen Dave Morrison Keith Eidman Joe Corr Andrew Carlson Ryan Malmin
1966 1984 1989 1998 2002 2004
11th Place Ed Twomey
1968
12th Place Ceylon North Ceylon North Dallas Allaire John Kromer Forrest Tahdooahnippah
1927 1929 1981 1982 2007
13th Place John Keohen John Kromer Joe Corr Antonio Vega Antonio Vega
1982 1983 1999 2005 2006
14th Place Eric Pierce Will McComb Ryan Malmin
1998 1999 2005