Saturday, October 13
Riverside, Calif.
8:00 a.m.
California State University at Northridge
at
Highlander Invitational
Photo by: Jeff Golden
Cross Country Returns to Riverside for Highlander Invitational
10/12/2018 12:45:00 PM | Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country
NORTHRIDGE, Calif - The 2018 CSUN cross country teams return to UC Riverside for the second time this season, as the Matadors will compete in the Highlander Invitational at the UCR Agricultural Operations Course on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 8 a.m.
"We are hoping that the athletes take a more aggressive approach to racing the course this time around," said head coach Lawrence Johnson. "I thought the athletes, raced a little conservative last time."
The last time CSUN raced on these courses, Michael Merchan paced the men's team with a a time of 24:32.7 in the men's 8k, and finished first out of all Big West runners. Merchan's performance that week earned him Co-Big West player of the week honors. The coaching staff believes the men's team will follow Merchan's lead and do some things just don't show up on the stat sheet.
"I have learned that our men's team is very ambitious," said Johnson. "There is a fight and a desire to be good that doesn't show up on the stat sheets."
In terms of impressing at practice leading up to the meet, a few runners showed to the coaching staff that they were ready to make that next jump.
"A number of our student athletes have put together some pretty solid workouts over the last couple of weeks." Johnson said. "Robby Foster, Julian Silva, and Kristian Oatman have really been working hard and are they are all poised to run well this week. Daniel Fendrich has also stepped up and could be in this week's top five.
On the women's side, the Matadors were paced by Elizabeth Silengo in the Capitol XC Challenge, as she led the women for the first time all season. The coaching staff expects big things out of Silengo for the future of the program.
"We expect Elizabeth to continue to grow and develop as a leader, as we do all of our athletes." Johnson said. "We would like for Elizabeth to be consistent with her workouts and build off of her last competitive performance."
Looking to return back to form is Katie Alvarenga. While it is clear she is the women's team's fastest runner based on her times earlier this season and throughout her career, she didn't have one of her best races in Sacramento a couple weeks prior. However, despite that, the coaching staff is expecting her to be in top shape come Saturday.
"Katie is our most experienced runner and our vocal leader. We can always count on Katie to meet the challenges presented to her." Johnson said. " She is very competitive and I think she is poised to have a great race this week in Riverside."
The men's 8,000 meter race will begin promptly at 8 a.m., followed by the women's 5k race at 8:40 a.m.
"We are hoping that the athletes take a more aggressive approach to racing the course this time around," said head coach Lawrence Johnson. "I thought the athletes, raced a little conservative last time."
The last time CSUN raced on these courses, Michael Merchan paced the men's team with a a time of 24:32.7 in the men's 8k, and finished first out of all Big West runners. Merchan's performance that week earned him Co-Big West player of the week honors. The coaching staff believes the men's team will follow Merchan's lead and do some things just don't show up on the stat sheet.
"I have learned that our men's team is very ambitious," said Johnson. "There is a fight and a desire to be good that doesn't show up on the stat sheets."
In terms of impressing at practice leading up to the meet, a few runners showed to the coaching staff that they were ready to make that next jump.
"A number of our student athletes have put together some pretty solid workouts over the last couple of weeks." Johnson said. "Robby Foster, Julian Silva, and Kristian Oatman have really been working hard and are they are all poised to run well this week. Daniel Fendrich has also stepped up and could be in this week's top five.
On the women's side, the Matadors were paced by Elizabeth Silengo in the Capitol XC Challenge, as she led the women for the first time all season. The coaching staff expects big things out of Silengo for the future of the program.
"We expect Elizabeth to continue to grow and develop as a leader, as we do all of our athletes." Johnson said. "We would like for Elizabeth to be consistent with her workouts and build off of her last competitive performance."
Looking to return back to form is Katie Alvarenga. While it is clear she is the women's team's fastest runner based on her times earlier this season and throughout her career, she didn't have one of her best races in Sacramento a couple weeks prior. However, despite that, the coaching staff is expecting her to be in top shape come Saturday.
"Katie is our most experienced runner and our vocal leader. We can always count on Katie to meet the challenges presented to her." Johnson said. " She is very competitive and I think she is poised to have a great race this week in Riverside."
The men's 8,000 meter race will begin promptly at 8 a.m., followed by the women's 5k race at 8:40 a.m.
~GoMatadors.com~
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Men's Cross Country
/ Men's Cross Country
/ Men's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Men's Cross Country
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