The Falcon   |   Volume 83, Issue 53

Published 5/29/13   |   Log In

Teams loaded with young talent

Men’s team earns school’s first national ranking

Published: October 3, 2012

The Seattle Pacific men’s cross country team has seen a lot of change in between team-leading finishes for senior Will Harrison. In 2010, Harrison finished first among SPU competitors at the Alaska Nanook Invitational Short-Course Meet.

On Saturday, Harrison led the Falcons at the Charles Bowles Invitational in Salem, Ore. It was a familiar feeling for Harrison, but the team surrounding him was extremely different than the team he had the previous time he was the first Falcon to cross the finish line.

In addition to Harrison, only one other runner, senior AJ Baker, has been on the team since 2010. Although the team has seen an influx of change in just two years, it has benefitted the Falcons thus far.

“It’s been good to have our team replenished,” Baker said. “We definitely have a stronger squad overall and a healthier squad.”

Last season, seniors Seth Pierson and Jordan Wolfe joined the program. After earning letters last year, both of them have finished in the top five of SPU competitors in each race so far in 2012.

The Falcons have also received a huge boost from sophomore Tavish Taylor, who finished No. 47 at the GNAC Championships last season.

As a result, SPU is ranked No. 29 nationally and No. 4 in the West Region. It is the first time in school history the Falcons have appeared on the list.

The men’s cross country team earned this ranking after placing second among 22 teams in the Sundodger Invitational on Sept. 15, the best finish in school history. On Saturday, Harrison’s No. 18 overall finish led the Falcons to fourth place of 19 schools, including first place of DII schools.

By DANNY CIACCIO

sports editor

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