Sept. 14, 2006

Lutes Open Season at Sundodger Invitational

THIS WEEK: The Lutes will be heading to Lincoln Park in Seattle for the University of Washington’s Sundodger Invitational. More than 800 athletes from 45 teams come help Washington open the 2006 season on Saturday. The women's 6000-meter race will start at 9 a.m., while the men’s 8000-meter run is slated to start at 9:40 a.m.

SEASON RESULTS: This will be the first meet of the year for the Lute harriers.

MEN'S INTRASQUAD RESULTS: Last week at Fort Steilacoom, the men had an intersquad meet. The conditions for the race were not ideal but the Lutes were still able to give new head coach Heather Kreier a good preview of what she can expect to see this season. With the temperature being well over 90 degrees at race time, many struggled with the heat but still had a productive race. Ben Hollander highlighted the race with a time of 17:28 and was able to show his strength and conditioning over the steep hills of Fort Steilacoom. Almost as impressive were Mark Manske, a transfer from Linfield College, and freshman John Pedack. Both had a somewhat surprising performance. Manske ran a time of 17:41, shortly behind Hollander in the 5k race. Pedack was perhaps the most surprising, cruising through the course for the third place finish in a time of 17:55. Chris Ramirez, one of the upper classmen for the team this year, said “It’s a little surprising but he looked really strong throughout the whole race. He should be a valuable asset for the team this year.” Next in line were Mike Jorgensen (18:44), Matt Beal (19:14), Kenneth Chilcoat (19:18), and Andy Musson (19:58). Chilcoat, one of last year's top runner’s and a regional participant last year at Willamette, had a bit of an off race but said, “I had a bad race, but give me a couple weeks and I’ll be right where I am supposed to be.” Also, racing was Ramirez, but he did not finish due to a stomach ailment from his study abroad trip in Spain. This race has definitely shown where the Lutes are as a team, and with the goals they have set they know they have a lot of work to do during the season.

WOMEN’S INTRASQUAD RESULTS: In similar conditions, the women showed what they are capable of this season. Led by a strong performance turned in by Michelle Hegg, the Lutes have a lot to be excited about. Hegg ran a 20:57 at the 5k course, and she was followed by Lexie Miller (21:08), Lauren McDonald (21:33), Chelsea Berdahl (24:32), Kate Burdekin (25:42), Breona Mendoza (26:05), Amanda Hill (28:34) and Renee Ogden (30:28). In what was a very slow course the Lutes showed a lot of toughness and depth. The women were missing four newcomers due to freshman orientation. Once the freshman return they should have a lot of depth and it should be one of the 2006 team’s strengths. As a result of the race the women have a lot to be excited about and are hoping the intrasquad will be a good indicator of what is to come this season. Berdahl, a junior, said, “If we can keep working hard throughout the season, we’re going to surprise some people throughout the conference. We will be there in the end.” They know potential only goes so far, however, because last season the Lutes figured to be in the top three teams at conference but placed ninth. The Lutes and Coach Kreier know what they have to do to improve on that performance.

NEXT WEEK: Pacific Lutheran returns to action next Saturday, competing in the Willamette Invitational at Bush's Pasture Park in Salem, Ore. One of the major cross country races on the West Coast, the Willamette Invitational annually attracts approximately 50 teams, including several NCAA Division I powerhouses.

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