The Portland State cross country season came to a close on Saturday as the Vikings competed in their final meet of the year, at the Big Sky Championships in Flagstaff, Ariz. The women were led once again by senior Amber Rozcicha, who finished in 19th place. Freshman Neil Seibert paced the men, finishing in 57th place.
Courtesy of go viks
Going the distance: The Viking cross country team made its last run of the season at the Big Sky Championship. They’ll look to build on strong showings this year.
The Vikings were not only competing against their Big Sky opponents during the competition, they were also battling the high elevation in Arizona. At about 7,000 feet above sea level, Flagstaff is a much different environment than the team is accustomed to practicing in.
Head coach Jonathan Marcus didn’t mince words. “It’s somewhat of an unfair advantage,” he said. “I’m not going to beat around the bush. It’s kind of frustrating.” Despite that, he was encouraged by his team’s performance.
“It’s just one of those conditions we had to factor in, and we knew this going in,” Marcus said. “We ran to the best of our ability. Everyone ran as tough as they could. This all bodes well for the future.”
As a team, the women finished in ninth place. Senior Sarah Dean was the second Viking to finish, coming in 39th place. Behind her were freshman Katherine Hendricks and senior Brittany Castillo.
Courtesy of GoViks
Out in front: Neil Seibert led the men’s team in Arizona.
Rozcicha has been the top runner for the women’s team all season, and she isn’t finished just yet. She and the rest of the Vikings can still compete in the regional meet, which takes place Nov. 9.
“For Amber, the goal is to be in the conversation, be in the hunt for that automatic individual qualifier to the national meet,” Marcus explained. “It’s going to be exciting. I think all the pieces are coming together.”
On the men’s side, sophomore Jake Schwartz and freshman Jonathan Talik finished second and third for the Vikings, behind Seibert. Marcus was pleased with his team’s efforts and believes the future is bright for Seibert.
“He gave it his all,” Marcus said. “As a freshman, he’s only going to continue to improve. We are expecting him to be a big contributor for the rest of his time on the Park Blocks. By the time he is a junior or a senior, he will be all-conference, without a doubt.”
PSU will next compete in the NCAA West Regional Championships on Nov. 9 in Seattle.