Cross country swings back from bye at Mike Hodges Invite

Sophomore Christa Collmer had a top-10 finish in the women’s 5k at the Mike Hodges Invitational last Friday, as the MHCC cross country team kicked back into action after taking a bye week.

Collmer finished in seventh overall at 20:15, and was followed by freshman Monica Amaro, 25th, at 22:03, and sophomore Molly Scoles, 33rd, at 23:10.

The men’s team, which ran a 4-mile race instead of the 8k, had two top-25 finishers. Freshmen Vlad Ishenin placed in 14th, at 22:32, and Alex Seymour placed 24th, at 22:56.

The last three spots on the men’s team were filled by freshman Nathan Geiter, who placed 37th, at 23:23, sophomore Brian Hoglund, who placed 50th, at 24:09, and freshman LT Avants in 58th place, at 25:22.

Though the men’s squad was able to field a full team with the return of Avants, the women’s team was again left wanting.

“We are expecting two additional women to get eligible by the Southern Region Championships,” said Matt Hart, cross country head coach.

“That being said, there is a strong likelihood that we will have a complete team at the Beaver Classic (today),” said Hart.

”Whether our women’s team is complete or not, I’m excited to see the individuals improve,” said Hart.

Asked whether his team is playing with a load on his shoulders because of smaller teams, Hart said, “I really don’t feel a load on my shoulders with any of this as we have a great group of individuals who are all training at a high level and are improving.”

“Whether we have a complete team or not, I will focus on providing opportunities to the studentathletes as individuals,” he said.

With the Southern Region Championships coming later in the month, Hart said the team will use its time to prepare mentally and physically.

“We are really emphasizing quality training in practice,” said Hart, pleased by the high effort level.

“I am confident Mt. Hood will compete with complete men’s and women’s teams but all I ask is that the individuals compete to the best of their abilities,” he said.

Hart said this year’s group of athletes are intrinsically motivated to improve, which makes it easy for the coaching staff.

“The men and women have a lot of drive so all the coaches need to do is keep them moving,” he said.

Any students interested in running on the cross-country team should contact Hart at 503-491- 7455 or by e-mail at Matt.Hart@ mhcc.edu.

The cross-country teams resume action today at the Beaver Classic at Avery Park in Corvallis. The meet starts at 4 p.m.