Neil Seibert and Amber Rozcicha
Going into this cross country season, head coach Jonathan Marcus knew his team was going to be young. An inexperienced, young team can have a lot of issues as the season wears on. Leadership, however, hasn’t been one of them.
Neil Seibert
Courtesy of GoViks
Going into this cross country season, head coach Jonathan Marcus knew his team was going to be young. An inexperienced, young team can have a lot of issues as the season wears on. Leadership, however, hasn’t been one of them.
Freshman Neil Seibert has led by example this season, achieving the fastest time for the men’s team in every race. The young runner shows a lot of promise, and Marcus is excited about his future.
“If he works hard, stays consistent, doesn’t get hurt and the fire stays hot, he’s a potential all-American,” Marcus said. “The sky is the limit.”
Seibert’s potential isn’t only in running, though.
“His most impressive trait has been his ability to lead,” Marcus said. “Being a freshman, being such a young squad, he’s separated himself as the most talented athlete on our roster, but also just a good leader that’s there to encourage and inspire his teammates’ standards and expectations to that championship level.”
Amber Rozcicha
Courtesy of GoViks
In her last year of running for Portland State, senior Amber Rozcicha has been impressive, racking up top 10 finishes and even first place at the Charles Bowles Invitational.
“It’s been a banner season for her,” Marcus said. “Top 10 at every race she’s competed in, a really strong and authoritative victory at Willamette against a deep field. It’s really good to see that kind of championship-level running so quick here in my tenure. But that’s what all the ladies are capable of.”
Even with all the success the senior has had, Marcus expects more from her in the upcoming conference and regional meets.
Courtesy of GoViks
RUN: Amber Rozcicha is nabbing wins for Portland State. She finishes her senior season in cross country this month.
“I expect a couple more wins out of her,” Marcus said.
“I expect her to be in the conversation for top five at conference. The biggest goal and expectation is to get it done at the regional meet, finish in the top 25 and make it to the national championships.”
Outside of cross country, Rozcicha has the same attitude that she does when she’s running. The senior is a good student and works hard.
Seibert and Rozcicha have that in common.
“They’re great student athletes, they work diligently and they’re driven,” Marcus said. “All the traits that are needed for success, these two individuals have them. It’s exciting to watch these individuals train and compete.”
