The “German Shepard” Robert Krebs claimed a well deserved victory at the Stanford invitational a few weeks ago. After enduring a modest early pace, it was all aboard the “pain train” as Krebs took the lead for what turned out to be a thrilling last 3,000 meters over the 10k distance. After taking the pace and controlling the race for 4 laps, Krebsi moved out into lane two, allowing the sole survivor of his onslaught to take the helm. The stage was set for the final lap to play host to a ferocious duel between the two competitors. With multiple surges and the downshifting of gears, Robert managed to edge out his opponent in the final 10 meters (it pays to save your NOS for the opportune time). The same race witnessed sophomore, and male hair icon, Woody Kincaid secure a PR (29:48) and a place at the regional championships. A job done for the lad from Colorado.

Speaking of Colorado, Boulder native David Perry had a thing or two to say in the preceding 10k event. His cool head refused to be intimidated by the array of talent sprawled throughout the starting lineup. He ran even splits and the tactic proved a winner! Perry hit the half way mark (5,000-meters) in 14 minutes and 40 seconds and, feeling absolutely no desire to slow down, tickled it again during the second half. Yes ladies and gentlemen, he ran 29:20 and comfortably booked his ticket to the regional championships in Austin, Texas. The purple trio travelled home early that morning, leaving behind nothing more than a splutter of blood, sweat and a few personally signed autographs.

In the meantime, over the last two weeks the rest of the Pilots have competed at the Willamette and Western Oregon invitational races. The two events paid homage to; a sub 15 minute 5k clocking from Conor Whan (#14.52 #abouttime); a 1500m victory and season’s best from senior and national 3k steeplechase hopeful Jared Bassett (3:48); a sterling 5k clocking from freshman and self-proclaimed “superior being” Alex Dillard (14.37); as well as mouthwatering back to back 1-2 finishes in the 1500m B & C heats at Western Oregon. Those came courtesy of David “Party Garce” Garcia, “Flying Irishman” Sean O’Hollearn and freshmen Andy Holstrom and Griffin Hay!

While you catch your breath and recover after that onslaught of exhilarating information, let me tell you that there’s more Grape Crushing action to be had this weekend. Rob Conner and his band of “berry” men travel to the Mt. Sac Relays in Los Angeles for a rare chance to…catch some sunlight…but more importantly chase some fast times amongst the best collegiate competition in the country.

The three day event will stage All-American Scott Fauble and the opening to his outdoor campaign. Scott was 11^th at last year’s national championships and has a great chance to improve on that placing this time around. Stanford invitational stars Robert Krebs, David Perry and Woody Kincaid will step down a distance and compete over the 5k. They will be joined by the critically acclaimed local standup comic Joshua Gorecki, the ever improving junior Chris Borg and the freshman Alex Bowns, both coming off the back of 1,500-meter PR’s only two weeks ago.

Jared Bassett will go in the steeplechase, boasting a time of 8.38 and the title of being the #1 returner from last year’s rankings. Stephen Kersh, who is excited to compete in his first highly competitive steeplechase field, will join him!

Last year’s national high school 1500-meter champion Izaic Yorks will be playing with the big boys over his preferred distance this weekend. The freshman has a threatening personal best of 3:46 from last year.

The definition of a successful weekend would be to have as many of the above return home with regional qualifying times. They’ve done the training, now it’s time to put their preparations to the test!
Take it easy,
 
Josh Gorecki
Portland Men’s Cross Country