New and returning XC expected to start off strong

At the end of the 2011 MHCC cross country season, the future of the Saints distance running was unclear — but head coach Matt Hart is looking to build a strong base with the addition of some new recruits.

The men’s team welcomes freshmen Nathan Geiter, Vlad Ishenin and Alex Seymour as they join sole male returner Brian Hoglund.
Christa Collmer and Molly Scoles are experienced returners for the women’s team. Both were among the top women’s performers in both cross country and track.

Though the pool of talent may be scarce, Hart is looking for quality over quantity this season and he says the team has put in some good work this summer.

“Christa will be outstanding this year during women’s competition as she has been running and lifting weights all summer and is in the best shape of her life,” Hart said.

“For the men, newcomers Nathan Geiter and Vlad Ishenin have been running in the front of our men thus far in training and are expected to be strong in our first competition,” he said.

“Alex Seymour and Brian Hoglund have been very close to Nathan and Vlad so our whole men’s team will be close and fun to watch throughout the year,” he said.

“This is definitely a rebuilding year for both the men’s and women’s teams,” added Hart.

“However, I think our team as a whole may be a bit stronger than last year’s team,” he said.

The teams took part in their first meet of the season Saturday at the Northwest Classic at Lane Community College in Eugene. Results were unavailable at press time.

“I am confident that all the men and women competing for us this weekend will do outstanding,” said Hart on the Friday before the meet.

“The men will only have to run a 4-mile race rather than the standard 5-mile so it will help them acclimate into collegiate running,” said Hart.

“I think Christa and Molly will run faster this first meet than they did all last year. That’s how hard they have been working,” he said.

With the season just starting, Hart said he still feels in the dark as to what some of his season expectations are.

“I do, however, feel that we can have some very strong performances on the women’s and men’s side this year and look forward to helping all the cross country student-athletes improve and compete to their potentials,” said Hart.

The Saints will be take part in the Charles Bowles Invitation Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at Willamette University at Bush Park in Salem.