Georgia on their minds in NWAC title chase

Mt. Hood head cross-country coach Jim Satterfield isn’t much of a gambling man, but if he were to place a bet on the NWAC individual champion in the women’s race, he said he would “put my money on Georgia.”

Of course, Satterfield is talking about his prodigy, No. 1 runner and Southern Region champion Georgia Glovatsky.

He did mention that there could be some other sleepers who sneak into the women’s mix on Saturday, when the Saints compete in the NWAC championships that begin at 11 a.m. at Lewisville State Park in Battle Ground, Wash.

Spokane Community College head coach Sean McLachlan believes it’s going to be a three-way race between Glovatsky, Camille Shiflett (Olympic Community College) and Becca Mildes (Spokane).

“I really believe these three should be the top three ladies in the meet with the possibility of two other ladies that could sneak into the top three, should any of the girls have an off day,” said McLachlan, whose women won last year’s NWAC title.

McLachlan gave the 26-year-old, first-year runner Glovatsky high praise.

“I only got to see Georgia race once and she was impressive,” he said. “I do know that Georgia comes from a very accomplished running family and seems to be following in her sister and mom’s footsteps as a successful runner.”

Like Satterfield and Co., Lane Community College head coach Michael Blackmore believes Glovatsky will likely be the runner with a target on her back.

“Georgia is running really well and is most likely the favorite,” Blackmore said.

Glovatsky herself isn’t focused on first, though she admits that would be a nice treat after a fine season.

“I want to go out there and run my best race,” she said. “If it’s a win for me, cool. And if not, I know these girls worked hard to beat me.”

The men’s championship race might not be so predictable, with so many good runners across the board in the NWAC.

“This could be anyone’s race,” Satterfield said.

McLachlan plans for his men to run strong after finishing fourth a year ago. That was Spokane’s worst finish in over 20 years, he said, “so (we) are hungry to finish higher than that this year, but will have to run very well, from our No. 1 (runner) to our No. 7, as Everett, Lane and Clackamas will all be in the mix.”

The Saints’ No. 1 men’s runner, sophomore Brandon Raleigh, who finished in 12th place last year, looks to build some early momentum.

“Heading into NWACs I feel like anything is possible,” said Raleigh, who finished third at the Southern Region championship. “Running a smart, even-paced race will be important. If I can put myself into position with a mile to go, I feel like it’s anyone’s race.”

Still, last year’s individual champion, Daniel Schofield from Spokane, “is going to be ready to defend his title,” Lane coach Blackmore noted.