CrOss COUntry
Willamette University
WILLAMETTE
Northwest Conference Champions NCAA Division III West Region Champions
Willamette University cross country
GENEral iNforMatioN location ......................... salem, oregon Founded ............................................1842 enrollment .........1,916 undergraduate; 2,524 overall President ................... Dr. m. lee Pelton Dean of campus life....Bob Hawkinson Faculty Representative ..........Jerry gray Director of athletics ...... mark majeski nickname .................................. Bearcats colors ............... cardinal and old gold Affiliation............... ncaa Division III conference ...... northwest conference
The Willamette university cross country media guide for 2006 was written by christopher D. sabato and by Robert mcKinney, athletics communications director. Designed by sabato. edited by mcKinney. Inside and outside cover designed by sabato. Photos by naomi Stukey and by the Willamette Office of Communications. Printing Page by 2 K/P, Inc.
CoNtENtS on campus ........................................ 1-2 administration .......................................3 salem, oregon .......................................4 Facilities ..................................................5 coaching staff ................................... 6-7 Team Roster ..................................... 8-14 community service.............................15 2005 statistics ......................................16 Bearcat History ....................................17 athletic staff .......................................18 Affiliations ............................................19 Bearcats in action ...............................20
Willamette University bearcats oN CaMPUS Willamette University, the first university in the West, has a heritage dating to its founding in 1842. students and employees are proud of its academic strength, as well as its beautiful campus. academic success is typical for students at Willamette. more importantly, faculty and staff are concerned about the overall success of each student, so the focus is not only on quality experiences in the classroom, but also on social and cultural development. students are expected to work hard in their academic endeavors and are also expected to have fun, be active in the community and bring their own personality to everything they do. Why Willamette? • Quality Academics • Student-Athletes are more than 1/4 of the student body • Competition in the NCAA and the Northwest Conference • Student-Faculty Ratio of 11:1 • Students from 34 States • Opportunity to Study Abroad • Located across the street from the Oregon State Capitol • Near the Pacific Coast and the Cascade Mountains We’re proud of our students’ academic abilities. We’re also proud of our students as friends, neighbors and fellow citizens. They have found an ideal match between high-level academics and a variety of quality experiences as members of the community. They exemplify the university motto: “not unto ourselves alone are we born.”
The Mill Race runs through the WU campus.
This motto is put into action locally and throughout the world. at Willamette, you can study abroad, as many of our students do each year. our students also are actively involved in social and environmental issues. They are concerned about maintaining the beautiful oregon landscape, while working to improve the lives of others. and so, while Willamette has the same academic expectations as the nation’s most acclaimed colleges and universities, we hope we’ve added something extra ... an equally important focus outside the classroom. attending college should be fun, inspiring and at times invigorating. It should both challenge you and make you laugh. academically, Willamette has the college of liberal arts, the college of law, the george H. atkinson graduate school of management, and the school of education. cooperative programs enable all students to benefit from the quality curriculum. Willamette is known for its intellectual vitality, its cohesive campus community, its concern for every student, and its ability to balance a rigorous academic program with varied extracurricular activities. The faculty — See ON-CAMPUS, Page 2 —
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Willamette University cross country oN CaMPUS
and staff bring a wide range of views and experiences to the the campus. Willamette’s student-faculty ratio of 11:1 allows faculty to maintain ample office hours and to serve as advisors. They are engaged in scholarly research and publish their findings, but they are primarily focused on teaching. Willamette is selective and seeks serious and talented students. The average first-year student has a 3.74 gPa, an saT score of 1261 and an acT score of 27. enrollment at the undergraduate level is 1,916, with a total enrollment of 2,524. about 83 percent of Willamette students receive financial aid and scholarships. many students choose to attend graduate or professional school.
At Willamette, you can literally walk across the street to the State Capitol or spend an entire semester studying your major in a foreign country. Willamette has a reputation for financial stability. Its endowment consistently earns a spot among the largest in the northwest and compares favorably on a national basis. The campus features 42 buildings on 61 acres. During the past decade, more than $50 million has been invested on campus. Administrative offices, academic buildings, residence halls and recreational facilities have been renovated or refurbished. Recent projects include the $5.5 million Hallie Ford museum of art, the $8 million mary stuart Rogers music center, and the $2.7 million montag student center. Work is underway and nearly completed on the $14 million Kaneko commons. Page 2
The Oregon State Capitol is across the street from Willamette University.
salem, the state capital, is the secondlargest city in oregon, with a population of about 147,000. The Pacific Coast is just about an hour away and the Pacific Coast mountain range is even closer. To the east are the cascade mountains, lakes, streams and rivers. also within driving distance are Portland, the columbia River gorge and mount Hood. Willamette benefits from its location across the street from the oregon state capitol and from being near other federal, state, county, and city offices. In particular, Willamette students are often chosen for internships with government organizations. students also participate in the community outreach Program through a variety of volunteer service projects.
Willamette University bearcats aDMiNiStratioN Dr. M. Lee Pelton President
Dr. m. lee Pelton was appointed the 22nd president of Willamette university in July, 1999. under Pelton’s leadership, the University has increased its academic profile, successfully employing strategies to attract the best faculty and the brightest students from the state, the nation and the world. since 2001, Willamette university has been ranked a top tier liberal arts college by u.s. news and World Report. President Pelton holds a doctorate from Harvard university and an undergraduate degree in english and psychology from Wichita state university, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1974. His area of academic focus is 19th century British prose and poetry. He served as dean of the college at colgate university (1988-91) and Dartmouth college (1991-98). at Harvard, he taught in the english Department and was the dean of one of Harvard’s 13 undergraduate colleges. He continues to teach at Willamette in a variety of subjects ranging from 1st century athens to post-apartheid south africa.
Mark Majeski
Director of Athletics
mark majeski began his tenure with Willamette university in October of 2000, following five years as athletic director at the university of california, santa cruz and four years as assistant athletic director at menlo college. a former basketball, track and softball coach, majeski also worked venue management and operations for the 1994 FIFa men’s soccer World cup and the 1996 atlanta olympic games. He also was involved at the national level as a member of the ncaa Division III men’s tennis committee. He received an undergraduate degree in journalism from menlo college and completed a master’s degree in higher education administration from san Jose state university. at Willamette, majeski oversees 20 varsity athletic teams, with the Bearcats competing in ncaa Division III and the northwest conference, as well as the Intercollegiate Rowing association. In addition to his ncaa committee work, he has been the basketball liaison between the nWc coaches and athletic directors.majeski lives in salem with his wife, Denise and their son, Jack, age 1.
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Willamette University cross country SalEM, orEGoN
salem, the capital city of oregon as well as the second largest city in the state, lies in the center of the lush Willamette River valley, 47 miles south of Portland. salem is a city of over 47 square miles, located an hour from the cascade mountains to the east and just an hour from the ocean beaches to the west. The population of salem is 147,215 (July 2005) with a growth rate of approximately 1.5 Salem lies along the Willamette River. percent per year. Day trips to the magnificant Oregon within walking distance. 1,869 acres of park coast, the cascade or coast mountain land invite residents and visitors alike to ranges, the high-desert and award-winning enjoy the outdoors. Surrounded by green pastures, fields of vineyards offer a variety of experiences that flowers, vegetables, orchards and vineyards, are rarely found in one area. salem offers a wide array of restaurants, salem’s year-around and summer farmer’s hotels and tourist attractions, ranging from markets overflow with locally raised produce historic sites and museums to events that and hand-crafted products. salem is the appeal to a wide variety of interests: from perfect base for a tour of oregon’s wine sports tournaments to arts Fairs, theater country or a visit to any or all of the many and music. From our vibrant downtown, extraordinary gardens in the city and the several parks and our historic district are surrounding area.
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Willamette University bearcats atHlEtiC faCilitiES The charles Bowles Track, located inside mcculloch stadium, is an all-weather facility that showcases the finish line when Willamette university is the host for cross country meets. In 2005, Willamette hosted the charles Bowles Invitational for the 31st year and also hosted the northwest conference and ncaa Regional meets. The track also is home to Willamette’s highly-regarded track and field teams. ogdahl Field at mcculloch stadium is the home field for the Willamette football team. It is one of the top ncaa Division III facilities in the northwest. It has the atmosphere of an old stadium, but has a FieldTurf playing surface, spacious locker rooms and meeting rooms. located near mcculloch stadium is Roy s. “spec” Keene stadium at John lewis Field, the home of Bearcat baseball. The stadium features chairback seating in part of the grandstand and an overall capacity of 1,000. The entire football, track, cross country and baseball complex is adjacent to Bush’s Pasture Park. The park hosts cross country meets on its wide paths and also is known for its art exhibits, rose garden, trees and expanses of open land. mcculloch stadium is located two blocks from the Willamette campus and just one block from salem Hospital. The stadium seats about 2,400 fans and has lights for night games. The stadium also includes an athletic training room, which allows Willamette athletes to receive onsite attention and treatment.
The Sparks Center is the location for WU basketball, volleyball and swimming events.
located in the lestle J. sparks center on the main campus are offices for the Department of athletics, classrooms and basketball courts. The Sparks Center also includes the offices of the Department of exercise science, plus locker
The cross country and track building is adjacent to McCulloch Stadium. rooms, handball and racquetball courts, and a weight lifting and fitness center. attached to the sparks center is cone Field House, where men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball play. The arena seats 2,500 fans. also connected to the sparks center is the Wu natatorium, home of Bearcat swimming. The natatorium, with space for 200 fans, also may be seen from a viewing area in the lobby. near the sparks center is sparks Field, an artificial turf facility for men’s and women’s soccer. sparks Field is equipped with lights for night games and seats 500 spectactors. close to the sparks center and sparks Field are six outdoor tennis courts. The men’s and women’s tennis teams host meets during the spring each year. on the east side of campus is the Willamette softball complex. It includes covered dugouts, batting cages, a scoreboard and bleachers. The Wu men’s and women’s golf teams usually practice at Illahe Hills country club or creekside golf club. members of the men’s and women’s rowing teams have their own boathouse and hold workouts on the Willamette River in downtown salem. Page 5
Willamette University cross country CHarlES BowlES iNvitatioNal
Willamette university plays host to the largest college-only cross country meet west of the mississipi River each year: the charles Bowles Invitational. In 2006, the Bearcats will host the 32nd annual event, named for long-time Bearcat head coach charles Bowles. Bowles, for whom the track and field facility at McCulloch Stadium is named, was a fixture at Willamette for over 50 years. untill his death in December of 2005, coach Bowles remained a part of Willamette cross country Willamette University hosts the largest college-only and track & field, often riding cross country meet in the West. the bus with the team to various competitions. Coach Bowles will be missed, but his legacy lives on in one of the finest cross country invitationals in the country. In 2006, the charles Bowles Invitational was honored in an accomadation from the california state senate for hosting a high quality event featuring some of the best studentathletes in the country. This year, the 32nd annual charles Bowles Invitational is expected to have it’s largest field yet, with more than 1200 entrants, despite a pair of cross country events hosted by stanford university and the university of oregon the same day. The Invitational includes two divisions and four races. The cardinal races feature teams from ncaa Division III, ncaa Division II and the naIa. the gold races feature ncaa Division I, junior college and club teams, plus unnattached runners. It is typical for all four races to include nationally-ranked teams. This year, top teams are Willamette, u. of oregon, u. of Portland, u. of Texas, u. of Washington, Azusa Pacific, Concordia (Calif.), Concordia (ore.) and lewis-clark (Idaho). Page 6
Willamette University bearcats SEaSoN PrEviEw as a new season begins, the Willamette university cross country program looks to continue its success at the conference, regional and national levels. In 2005, the Bearcats won both the men’s and women’s northwest conference titles, as well as the men’s and women’s ncaa West Regional titles. The men finished 16th at the NCAA Division III national championships and the women’s team ran to a 14th place finish. The men look to continue their streak of five straight Northwest Conference titles, while the women want to extend their run of four straight nWc championships. leading the charge for the 2006 men’s team are returning runners Travis Harris (sr., Bellingham, Wa), Ian Batch (Jr., eagle, ID), Josh clough (so., auburn, Wa), and Tristan Knutson-lombardo (so., Juneau, AK) who all finished in the top nine at last year’s nWc meet. also looking to make a “This is going to be an exciting year for the entire conference and region. Several teams have improved dramatically and we will have to be on top of our game to repeat as conference and regional champions,” said Willamette Coach Matt McGuirk. “Both squads are young but several leaders have already emerged and we’re really excited to see both teams develop throughout the season.”
— Matt McGuirk Willamette Head Coach
Senior Lucas Nebert
of newcomers who will look to break into the top seven. The women return all-american sarah zerzan (Jr., san carlos, ca), along with four other national competitors: elizabeth Hart (sr., spokane, Wa), alison maki (so., shoreview, mn), mara engle (so., Bellingam, Wa), and maddie coffman (so., Boise, ID). looking to push the pack are returnees edith Polanco (so., salem, oR), Katrina Brett (Jr., longview, Wa), carly Killam (Jr., Kaiula, HI), melissa ostermick (Jr., Talkeetna, Wa), alison shives (sr., seattle, Wa) and Jena Winger (so., Bonney lake, Wa). also, a group of quality freshmen are ready to help the Bearcat women’s team continue the Wu cross country tradition.
difference following solid track seasons are lucas nebert (Jr., cincinnati, oH), alex Jimenez (so., Parkdale, oR), steven millard (Jr., Port orchard, Wa), Ben leipzig (sr., Waban, ma), everett ottinger (so., albuquerque, nm) and Julio vieyra (sr., salem, oR). Joining the team is a talented group Page 7
Willamette University cross country HEaD CoaCH McGuirk and Willamette matt mcGuirk Head Coach Cross Country/track and field
NWC Men’s Cross Country Coach of the Year
2004, 2005
NWC Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year
2004
matt mcguirk is in his third year as the head coach of cross country and his fourth year as head coach of track and field at Willamette university. mcguirk will be looking to lead the cross country teams to continued success “Willamette is the ideal place for a student who is looking for high quality academics and athletics. It’s my honest belief that if an individual chooses Willamette and decides to be successful in and out of the classroom, the opportunity will be provided. The philosophy of my staff is to simply impart the best advice, information and opportunities to allow student-athletes to be great in whatever they aspire to achieve.”
— Matt McGuirk Willamette Head Coach
following outstanding seasons in 2004 and 2005. During both seasons, Willamette won men’s and women’s titles at the northwest conference championships and the ncaa Regional championships. In 2004, the Wu men placed fifth at the NCAA National championships, while the women claimed ninth place. In 2005, the women’s team was 14th and the men’s team was 16th. Page 8
Cross Country
Year
2004 2005
Men’s Team
nWc champs Regional champs nationals - 5th nWc champs Regional champs nationals - 16th
Women’s Team
nWc champs Regional champs nationals - 9th nWc champs Regional champs nationals - 14th
Willamette’s teams both enter the 2006 season with active winning streaks as nWc and ncaa Regional champions. The men have won five consecutive NWC titles and four straight Regional crowns. The women have earned four nWc titles in a row, plus three consecutive Regional championships. mcguirk was named nWc coach of the year in both men’s and women’s cross country in 2004. He received the nWc coach of the year award in men’s cross country as a repeat selection in 2005. In the spring of 2004, he led the Bearcats to a tie for third place at the ncaa Track and Field championships, giving Willamette its first NCAA trophy in school history. The men’s team took fourth place at the ncaa Track and Field championships in 2005. Prior to being named head coach in 2004, mcguirk was the top assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Willamette from 1999-03. His dedication to recruiting student-athletes who will commit to being great both in the classroom and as athletes has brought Wu the largest and the most successful teams in school history. The Bearcat men’s team has placed fifth at the ncaa Division III championships twice (2002, 2004). Both times, Willamette set a school record with its Top 5 finish. Contact Coach McGuirk
Office Phone: (503) 370-6898 e-mail: mmcguirk@willamette.edu
Willamette University bearcats aSSiStaNt CoaCHES Brett Franz Christopher sabato assistant Coach
assistant Coach
Brett Franz joins the Bearcat staff as an assistant coach after serving as the head men’s and women’s cross country and distance coach at lindenwood university in st. charles, mo., last season. under his direction, the lindenwood men’s cross country team placed third at the naIa national championships and the women’s cross country team placed 15th. While at lindenwood, he also coached the naIa individual national champion in men’s cross country, as well as champions in the indoor mile and the outdoor 10,000-meter run. Franz coached a total of eight naIa all-americans in 2005-06. He was named trackbrain.com’s naIa national assistant coach of the year for Indoor Track and Field. He was selected Heart of america athletic conference and naIa Region v coach of the year in men’s cross country. Franz received a master’s degree in athletic administration from lindenwood. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business from Western oregon university.
christopher sabato returns to the Wu Bearcats for his second year as an assistant coach. He works with the distance group as well as coaching the pole vaulters and helping with the sprinters and jumpers. Before arriving at Willamette, sabato spent two full years at Rhodes college in memphis, Tenn. at Rhodes, he coached sprinters and jumpers, including several all-conference athletes and a handful of NCAA Division III national qualifiers. sabato attended alfred university in alfred, n.y., where he graduated in 2002 with a degree in electrical engineering. as a studnet-athlete at alfred, he participated in track and field, and competed in the sprint events, as well as the long jump and the pole vault. He earned all-state honors three times as a pole vaulter in the new york state collegiate Track conference. His athletic and coaching experiences continue to provide a positive impact on the Bearcat cross country and track and field teams as they practice and compete.
Contact Coach Franz
Contact Coach Sabato
Office Phone: (503) 370-6934 e-mail: bfranz@willamette.edu
Office Phone: (503) 370-6903 e-mail: csabato@willamette.edu Page 9
Willamette University cross country MEN’s roster Jason Ames
Ian Batch
Josh Clough
David Dorr
Jonnie Dunn
William Gale
Travis Harris
Alex Jimenez
Austin Knutson
Tristan KnutsonLombardo
Hometown: Helena, MT High School: Helena Year: Sophomore Major: Math / Economics
Hometown: Auburn, WA High School: Auburn Riverside Year: Sophomore Major: Sociology
Hometown: Astoria, OR High School: Astoria Year: Freshman Major: Exercise Science
Hometown: Bellingham, WA High School: Sehome Year: Senior Major: Bio-Chemestry
Hometown: Portland, OR High School: Grant Year: Freshman Major: Psycholgy
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Hometown: Eagle, ID High School: Capital Year: Junior Major: Rhetoric
Hometown: Philomath, OR High School: Philomath Year: Senior Major:
Hometown: Anchorage, AK High School: Robert Service Year: Sophomore Major: Undeclared
Hometown: Parkdale, OR High School: Hood River Valley Year: Sophomore Major: Sociology
Hometown: Juneau, AK High School: Juneau-Douglas Year: Sophomore Double Major: Enviroment Science and Sociology
Willamette University bearcats MEN’S roStEr Kyle KoTaIcH
sTePHen lane
Ben leIPzIg
cHaRley maTHes
Hometown: Florence, oR High School: siuslaw Year: Freshman Major: undeclared
Hometown: Waban, ma High School: newton south Year: senior Major: chemistry
Hometown: Rowland Heights, ca High School: Rowland Year: Freshman Major: undeclared
Hometown: lovland, co High School: moutain view Year: Freshman Major: math
sTeven mIllaRD Hometown: Port orchard, Wa High School: south Kitsap Year: Junior Major: Biology
lucas neBeRT
Hometown: cincinnati, oH High School: Wyoming Year: senior Major: Biology / Bio-chemistry
aJ PacKaRD Hometown: Boisie, ID High School: capital Year: sophomore Major: undeclared
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Willamette University cross country MEN’S roStEr eveReTT oTTIngeR
Hometown: albuquerque, nm High School: albuquerque Year: sophomore Major: english
cHRIs PlaTano Hometown: myrtle Point, oR High School: myrtle Point Year: Freshman Major: economics
gaRReTT ReIm Hometonw: Fircrest, Wa High School: curtis Year: Freshman Major: undeclared
TayloR RoHolT
gaBRIel TallenT
JulIo vIeyRa
maTT WIesBaRD
Hometown: albuquerque, nm High School: sandia Prep Year: Freshman Major: French
Hometown: salem, oR High School: mcKay Year: senior Major: economics / spanish
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Hometown: Fort Bragg, ca High School: mendecino Year: Freshman Major: undeclared
Hometown: Wilmette, Il High School: new Trier Year: Freshman Major: Philosophy
Willamette University bearcats MEN’S HiStorY Men’s 4 Miles 1 Dan Hall 2 Dave Fleming 3 Aaron Young 4 Jacob Stout 5 Rick LaGreide 6 Rick Groenendaal 7 Terry Zerzan 8 Robbie Wright 9 Ian Batch 10 Nick Symmonds Men’s 5 miles (8000 m) 1 Dan Hall 2 Aaron Hollingshead 3 Aaron Young 4 Jacob Stout 5 David Fleming 6 Kevin O’Connor 7 Rick Groenendaal 8 Rick LaGreide 9 Robbie Wright 10 Terry Zerzan
19:29.0 19:32.0 19:34.4 19:36.1 19:41.0 19:42.0 19:43.0 19:45.0 19:47.7 19:49.0
1975 1979 2002 2003 1979 1983 1976 1983 2006 2002
24:02.7 24:24.3 24:24.4 24:24.9 24:26.1 24:28.7 24:29.0 24:35.1 24:37.6 24:38.1
1975 2004 2002 2001 1979 1983 1981 1979 1983 1976
NWC Team Champions: 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 1993, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1977, 1976, 1970, 1963 NWC Individual Champions: Nick Symmonds (2005) Aaron Hollingshead (2004) Jacob Stout (2003) Aaaron Young (2002, 2000) Andy Libert (1986) Rob MacGinnittie (1985) Rick Groenendaal (1982, 1981) David Johnson (1980) Dave Flemming (1978, 1979) Tery Zerzan (1977, 1974) Dan Hall (1975, 1973) Don Johnson (1970) Gary Purpura (1969) Wes Armstrong (1964) NCAA West Region Champions: 2004, 2003, 2002 NCAA All Americans: Aaron Hollingshead (2004) Jacob Stout (2001, 2002, 2003) Aaron Young (2001, 2002)
Nick Symmonds - 2005 Northwest Conference Champion Page 13
Willamette University cross country woMEN’s roster Katrina Brett
Maddie Coffman
Mara Engle
Ciara Gonzalez
Elizabeth Hart
Carly Killam
Molly Lewis
Ali Maki
Melisa Ostermick
Tina Patel
Hometown: Longview, WA High School: Mark Morris Year: Junior Major: Japanese Studies
Hometown: Bellingham, WA High School: Bellingham Year: Sophomore Major: Anthropology
Hometown: Spokane, WA High School: Lewis & Clark Year: Junior Major: Science Studies / Spanish
Hometown: Gig Harbor, WA High School: Gig Harbor Year: Freshman Major: Exercise Science / Spanish
Hometown: Talkeetna, AK High School: Susitna Valley Year: Junior Major: Biology
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Hometown: Boisie, ID High School: Boisie Year: Sophomore Major: Biology
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA High School: Flintridge Prep Year: Freshman Major Undeclared
Hometown: Lailua, HI High School: Punahou Year: Senior Major: Exercise Science
Hometown: Shorview, MN High School: Mounds View Year: Sophomore Major: Art History and Spanish
Hometown: Bend, OR High School: Summit Year: Freshman Major: Undeclared
Willamette University bearcats woMEN’S roStEr eDITH Polanco
alIon sHIves
auDRey sQuIRes
maya velez
HannaH vIeTmeIeR
RacHel WHITe
Jena WIngeR
saRaH zeRzan
Hometown: salem, oR High School: mcKay Year: sophomore Major:
Hometown: Springfield, OR High School: Springfield Year: senior Major: enviromental science
Hometown: shorline, Wa High School: shorewood Year: Freshman Major: undeclared
Hometown: Bonney lake, Wa High School: sumner Year: sophomore Major: exercise science
Hometown: seattle, Wa Hign School: Roosevelt Year: senior Major: Psychology
Hometown: oakland, ca High School: skyline Year: Freshman Major: undeclared
Hometown: mililani, HI High School: Punahou Year: senior Major: Biology
Hometown: san carlos, ca High School: notre Dame Year: Junior Major: chemistry (Biochemistry track)
2006 BEarCat woMEN
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Willamette University cross country woMEN’S HiStorY Women’s 4000m 1 Kara Crisifulli 2 Beth Fitzgerald 3 Tracy Reisinger 4 Kristin Peterson 5 Jennifer Goettsche 6 Robin Mather 7 Nattalie Wright 8 Kelli Cammack 9 Lisa Starkey 10 Leslie Fridley Women’s 5000m 1 Sarah Zerzan 2 Kara Crisifulli 3 Beth Fitzgerald 4 Danya Rumore 5 Kari Holbert 6 Nattalie Wright 7 Liz Rodda 8 Kristen Peterson 9 Jenna Winger 10 Carrie Morales Women’s 6000m 1 Danya Rumore 2 Kari Holbert 3 Sarah Zersan 4 Natalie Muren 5 Katie Pierce 6 Molly Phimister 7 Elizabeth Hart 8 Maddie Cofman 9 Lauren Sherwood 10 Alison Maki
14:08.0 14:29.0 14:41.0 14:50.0 14:55.0 14:57.0 15:00.6 15:01.0 15:04.5 15:06.0
1985 1999 1987 1985 1989 1986 2000 1987 2000 1982
17:11.00 17:27.0 17:28.8 17:36.9 17:57.4 18:13.8 18:20.7 18:22.0 18:23.7 18:24.0
2006 1985 1999 2004 2004 2000 2001 1986 2006 1996
21:28.3 21:41.9 21:58.2 22:25.0 22:40.3 22:41.0 22:53.8 22:58.2 23:13.0 23:15.1
2004 2003 2005 2003 2003 2003 2005 2005 2003 2005
RED LION HOTELS
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NWC Team Champions: 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2000
NWC Individual Champions: Kari Holbert (2002) Beth Fitzgerald (1999) Kara Crisifulli (1985, 1984) NCAA West Region Champions: 2005, 2004, 2003 NCAA All Americans: Sarah Zerzan (2005) Beth Fitzgerald (1999) Kari Holbert (2003, 2004)
Sarah Zerzan - 2005 NCAA West Region Champion
503-370-7883 Toll Free: 800-248-6273 Red Lion Hotel Salem 3301 Market St. NE Salem, OR 97301 www.redlionsalem.com Proud Sponsor of BEARCAT ATHLETICS!
Willamette University bearcats NCaa SCHolarSHiP natalie muren, who ran cross country and competed in track and field for the Willamette university Bearcats and graduated in the spring of 2006, was awarded an ncaa postgraduate scholarship at the end of her collegiate career. at Willamette, Muren qualified for the NCAA Division III national championships five times in cross country and track and field. She also earned academic all-american recognition. a chemistry and spanish major, muren became the fourth member of the Bearcat cross country or track programs to receive the prestigious postgraduate award in the past two years. In 2004-05, scott overby, shannon mcgrane and alicia andrews all were chosen as recipients of the $7,500 scholarship prize.
Natalie Muren Class of 2006 Muren competed in a total of five NCAA Division III National Championship events in cross country and track and field.
muren’s athletic career at Willamette is as impressive as her academic resume. muren, a graduate of mcnary High school in salem, ore., participated in the ncaa cross country championships three times and also competed at the ncaa Track and Field championships twice in her career. She qualified for the All-West Region cross country squad twice. “We’ve had a lot of great studentathletes come through this program, but Natalie is really one of the most exceptional people I’ve had the pleasure of coaching here at Willamette. She was a big part of the program here and we’re very proud of both her academic and athletic achievements.”
— Matt McGuirk Willamette Head Coach
even though she was injured and unable to compete much of last season, she was always there with her teammates, helping them become better runners and better students. In addition to her studies and athletic pursuits, muren was active as a community volunteer through Willamette’s chemistry club. she presented experiments to grade school students, and also was a resource mentor for high school students and a volunteer for the Family Building Blocks and smaRT literacy program. muren also received a lilly grant and a Barry m. goldwater scholarship, as well as the 2003-04 american chemical society analytical chemistry award, the 2003-04 Physical chemistry student of the year award and the 2004-05 chemistry senior student of the year award. she helped the Bearcats win four nWc titles in both cross country and track and field. Page 17
Willamette University cross country DEPartMENt of atHlEtiCS Administrative Staff
Dean of campus life............................................................................................ Bob Hawkinson Faculty athletic Representative................................................................................Dr. Jerry gray assistant athletic Director .........................................................................................Judy gordon assistant athletic Director ........................................................................................skip Kenitzer Head athletic Trainer ...................................................................................................shane Wibel assistant athletic Trainer ....................................................................................... Deborah cagle assistant athletic Trainer ............................................................................................erin scharer athletics marketing coordinator ..................................................................megan Fitzsimmons athletics communications Director ................................................................Robert mcKinney administrative assistant .............................................................................................leslie Wright
Head Coaching Staff Baseball matt allison (503) 370-6011
football mark speckman (503) 375-5350
Men’s Soccer nelson larson (503) 375-5428
Men’s tennis Jon endrikat (503) 370-6804
Men’s Basketball gordie James (503) 370-6063
Men’s Golf steve Prothero (503) 370-6484
women’s Soccer Jim Tursi (503) 370-6657
women’s tennis Becky Roberts (503) 370-6804
women’s Basketball Bruce Henderson (503) 370-6132
women’s Golf Tom Hibbard (503) 370-6317
Softball Damian Williams (503) 370-6656
volleyball Tricia Wright (503) 370-6230
Cross Country track & field matt mcguirk (503) 370-6898
rowing susan Parkman (503) 370-6655
Swimming al stephenson (503) 370-6601
Athletic Training Staff
Shane Wibel, ATC
Deborah Cagle, ATC
Erin Scharer, ATC
Team Physicians at Western Orthopedic Dr. David Thorsett
Dr Thorsett graduated from Washington university medical school in June, 1991. He completed residency at the university of Wisconsin Hospital and clinics in June, 1996. He currently serves on the Willamette surgical center Board of Directors. Dr. Thorsett enjoys running, fly-fishing, backpacking & bicycling. He lives in salem with his wife, sarah, and their three children.
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Dr. Blake Nonweiler
Dr. nonweiler graduated from the university of Texas southern medical center in June, 1989. He completed a fellowship in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery at the university of Western ontario (london, ontario, canada) in July, 1995. He has been in private practice since august 1995. Dr. nonweiler lives in salem with his wife, Becky, and their three children.
Willamette University bearcats affiliations NCAA Division III Willamette is a member of
the National Collegiate Athletic Association and competes in Division III, which has over 425 members and is the largest NCAA division. The colleges in Division III place a priority on the overall quality of the educational experience and on successful completion of each student’s academic programs. They seek an environment in which a student-athlete’s activities with an athletic team are seen as an integral part of his or her educational experience. Members in Division III must sponsor at least five men’s sports and five women’s sports.
Athletes in Division III do not receive financial aid related to athletic ability. Willamette and other NCAA Division III members encourage students to participate by maximizing the variety of athletic opportunities. Primary emphasis is placed on conference and regional play. Willamette often sends its teams to California, Idaho, Washington and Texas for in-region games. NCAA Division III members establish an environment with cultural diversity and gender equity among student-athletes and staff. In Division III, employees care about the well-being of their student-athletes.
Northwest Conference The nine prviate colleges and universities in Oregon and Washington that form the Northwest Conference are building a reputation for the NWC as one of the top NCAA Division III leagues in the nation. The NWC is nationally competitive in a broad spectrum of sports. Formed in 1926, the NWC is 80 years old and is one of the oldest conferences in the western United States. The NWC’s current members in Oregon are Willamette, George Fox, Linfield, Lewis and Clark, and Pacific. Members located in Washington are Pacific Lutheran and Puget Sound, plus Whitman and Whitworth. The charter members in 1926 included Willamette, College of Idaho (Albertson College), Linfield, Pacific, and the College of Puget Sound (UPS). Albany College was added in 1931 and was a member for seven
years, then departed and returned in 1949 as Lewis and Clark College. The next member, Pacific Lutheran, joined in 1965, followed by Whitworth in 1970. The College of Idaho withdrew in 1978. Whitworth dropped out in 1984, but returned in 1988. Menlo College joined the NWC in 2006 in football only. The NWC originally sponsored athletic competition for men’s sports only, but joined forces with the Women’s Conference of Independent Colleges in 1984 to form the Northwest Conference of Independent Colleges. The name was shortened back to the original Northwest Conference in 1998. Also in 1998, all nine NWC members shifted affiliation from the NAIA to the NCAA. Members knew the move would foster equity, sportsmanship and a genuine concern for all student-athletes. Page 19
Willamette University cross country 2005 season review
2005 NWC Champions
The bearcat women cheer as the men receive their NWC Championship Trophy
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Willamette University bearcats 2005 season review
2005 West Region Champions
18 Bearcat followers traveled 2,500 miles from Salem, Ore., to Delaware, Ohio to watch their team compete at the 2005 NCAA Division III Championships
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2006 sCHeDUle DatE Sept. 8
EvENt Pier Park invitational University of Portlant
loCatioN Portland, or Pier Park
Sept. 30
32nd annual Charle Bowles invitational willamette University
Salem, or Bush’s Pasture Park
oct. 14
Bob Hodges invitational oregon City, or Clackamas Community College
oct. 21
oregon State Beaver Classic Corvallis, or oregon State University avery Park
oct. 28
NwC Championships Pacific Lutheran University
tacoma, wa PLU Golf Course
Nov. 5
Pre’s trail XC Meet Uo running Club
Eugene, or alton Baker Park
Nov. 11
NCaa western regional Claremont-Mudd-Scripps
Chino, Ca Prado Park
Nov. 18
NCaa Championships wilmington College
west Chester, oH voice of america Park