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Photo by Matt Hart/Contributed Photo
Women’s cross country runners Katy Echauri (3) and Amanda Smith (7) run during the Oct. 3 Charles Bowles Invitational at Bush Park at Willamette University. Both MHCC cross country teams will be compete in the Mike Hodges Invite today at 3:30 p.m.
Cross country prepares for Mike Hodges Invite
The Advocate
The MHCC cross country teams focused on mental preparation in getting ready for the Mike Hodges Invitational meet today at Clackamas Community College.
“They’re going to do well,” Head Coach Matt Hart said of the invitational. “Our training and our confidence are both up.”
Cross country member Andrea Dittmer said, “We’re definitely pushing each other and encouraging each other, so strong friendships are made in the process.”
The women will start the competition at 3:30 p.m. while the men start at 4:15 p.m. Aside from MHCC, Clackamas Community College, Lane Community College, South West Oregon Community College and Clark Community College will also be competing.
“I’m excited to see all our athletes improve and compete to the best of their ability,” Hart said.
The team holds training sessions every weekday from 3-5 p.m.
“We’re working on the mental aspect so people can run more strategically,” Hart said.
Dittmer said she is going to “try to block it out and go with the flow” when it comes to her mentality as a runner and the Mike Hodges Invitational.
As of now, the men’s and women’s teams combined have around 16 members and Hart wants to see those numbers rise next year. Hart said he has been recruiting heavily in area high schools.
After the invitational, the team will prepare to compete in the Southern Region championship Oct. 31. According to Hart, the team is getting a preview of the Northwest championship at the invitational.
“This meet is on the same course, so it’s a preview,” Hart said. “It’s an opportunity for us to get familiar with the course.”
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