Viking_Yearbook_91

Running with the pack Small teams hamper cross country achievement, but coaches view season finishes as successes C onsidering how small both teams were -seven men and five women– coaches felt the cross country season went really well. Tearn scores were al– ways in the top third , but unfortu– nately each team will lose two seniors next season. "On the men's team we have a strong nucleus returning, and have one new runner for sure," said assistant coach Keith Woodard. The women have some possibilities, but nothing is definite. Nevertheless, they won't have their up– front runner, Selina Danko. "For the most part each team ran to the best of its abilities for the season," said Keith Woodard . The PSU men's and women's cross country teams went into the regional meet, held in River– side, Calif., ranked tenth out of twenty schools. The women came away with seventh place, No. 1 runner Selina Danko placing 25th overall. The men concluded their season with an eighth place regional score. "Team wise the meet went really well, everyone ran really well," explained Danko. The first three meets of the season for the men were led by sophomore Chris Lashbaugh, but an in– jury kept him from running in the Lewis and C lark, Pacific meet, and from then on junior Charles Dou– glas and senior Tim Wines took turns with the No. 1 position. Lashbaugh only missed two meets, but was unable to regain his top times. Each runner had to work really hard this season, and team support was important. The closeness of the teams made practices seem easier and a lot more fun. This strong bond between the runners was es– pecially important during a race. "Regionals was the best meet because we really worked as a team and ran as a pack. I really like the days the team works well together," said Douglas. • • • Jessica Landon top: The Viking men lead the pack at the start of their meet. far left: Heather McElh en y cools down follow– ing her race. near left: One of the teams' top runners, Chris Lashbaugh concentrates on his finish. • . Sports/CC Photo by Deborah Hallick Photo by Debo..b