PORTLAND, Ore. --- The University of Portland women’s cross country team added nine talented freshmen to the 2010 roster, head coach Ian Solof announced. They join a squad that is already ranked second in the West Coast Conference preseason coaches’ poll. Solof believes this group will contribute immediately.
“I am very excited about this class,” Solof said. “They have some good credentials but I think there is much more potential than the times indicate. Each of them has done minimal training, is a tough competitor, and loves to run. This is a group we can really develop over the next few years, and they will become a core part of our varsity very quickly. They are also great students who will keep our team’s academic reputation high.”
Solof went on to make individual comments about some of his new runners.
Julia Fonk (Portland, Ore. / Franklin HS) Oregon state champ in 1500 (4:36)
“Julia had an amazing breakthrough track season in the spring. She shocked a lot of people with her win in the 1500 at state. With her range and work ethic, she has the potential to develop into an elite college runner at multiple distances.”
Elizabeth Brandon (Eagle, Idaho / Eagle HS) Former Idaho state champ, 3200 (10:51)
“Liz is one of the top runners to come out of Idaho and is the state record holder in the 3200. She is strong in cross country as well as track and should be a great fit for our program. She has all the tools to become a great competitor.”
Natasha Verma (Stanwood, Wash. / Stanwood HS) 1600 (5:02) and 3200 (11:00)
“Natasha has had a lot of success in cross country with her two seventh place finishes at the state meet, but she really impressed me with her great track season last spring. She was able to drop her times considerably and I think she will continue to develop into a high-level distance runner in college.”
Melissa Hastings (Hillsdale, Calif. / Hillsdale HS) 1600 (5:04)
“Melissa is something of a sleeper but I can tell she will make a great transition into our program. She has a lot of talent and a great attitude. I expect her to make huge improvements once she joins us.”
Walk-on freshmen include: Rachel Van Nes, Lily Schafer, Allison Hussey, Heidi Gore and Molly Bauer.
Come out and watch this group compete this Friday as the University of Portland hosts the Pier Park Invitational in Portland. Races begin at 4 p.m. local time.