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Nov. 21, 2009

BELLINGHAM, Wash. -

BEN FLETCHER - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

The Western Washington men's cross country team boasts a trio of All-American runners - something that bodes well for the squad's chances as they eye a best-ever finish at the NCAA Division II National Championships on Saturday, Nov. 21.

Of course, Bennett Grimes did it first. But the junior runner, a two-time All-American selection who was joined by teammates Jordan Welling and Blake Medhaug in being honored with the distinction last year, is of the opinion it's the more the merrier.

Especially, with the Western men pursuing a best-ever performance at this year's nationals, hosted by University of Southern Indiana.

The men are joined by the women's team in looking to make a significant mark after both teams finished 10th place in team standings last year.

At a minimum, the men are shooting for a top four finish. At best, a spot on the podium and a trophy, Grimes said, meaning a top three finish.

There's a strong possibility it could happen.

"All we really need to do is run like we can. If we all have an on day we're definitely one of the best teams in the nation," said Grimes, on the phone while at dinner with members of the men's and women's teams. "We have three cross country All-Americans and one of the best 1,500 meter runners in the country (Anthony Tomsich). And two of our younger guys, Eric Brill and Yonas Behre, they're really solid runners that are going to be around for a couple more years. We're hoping to get them an All-American status, too, and I really think they can if they run right."

It could all work out splendidly for the Viking men, as strong individual performances go hand-in-hand with winning a team championship. The men head into Saturday's race ranked sixth nationally while the women, led by All-American runner Sarah Porter, are ranked 11th in the latest U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association/NCAA Division II poll.

Porter finished 13th in individual standings last year at nationals, earning All-American honors. She is a three-time all-conference and all-region performer, placing second in both championship meets this fall. As a freshman, Porter finished 45th at nationals.

"If she runs a smart race with the right tactics anything could happen," said Western coach Pee-Wee Halsell, who was named the Great Northwest Athletic Conference coach of the year for a fourth time, in a prepared statement. "This course is very suited to her."

The Vikings' Lauren Breihof joined Porter as a region all-star, placing 12th, and will be an important cog in the women's success. Completing Western's contingent are Sierra Brisky, Kirsten Moore, former Squalicum High runner Courtney Olsen, Danielle Slaughter and Emily Wallen.

It is the third national junket for Porter, Olsen and Slaughter, and the second for Brisky.

"Porter, Breihof and Olsen have anchored our team," Halsell said. "We saw some movement with our four and five runners at regionals with Slaughter having a great race, and any of our 4-5-6-7 runners have the ability to move up. The big thing now is that as a team we have the attitude that we can do it."

For the men, Grimes, Medhaug and Welling are also three-time GNAC all-stars. And Tomsich's return from an Achilles injury has been a successful one. He joined Grimes and Welling with top 15 finishes to help the men win the GNAC championship.

"They really feed off of each other's success," Halsell said. "They're all about team."

That's proved a boon for the men, who Grimes said enjoy pushing one another in races and in practice.

"It can go in a negative way if you let it, but especially our team it's definitely positive," Grimes said. "Like Jordan took second at regionals and I was stoked because I know he's good enough to be there. I beat him at conference ... it's good to know you have somebody that can run better than you and then the whole team's faster."

Of course, the biggest competition might be between Western's men and women. At the West Regional, the Vikings had the school's top combined performance, the men placing second, tying their best finish, and the women placing fourth.

"We're all happy for the girls and hope they do well, but again there's like a competitive aspect of us against the girls," Grimes said. "But it's a good competitiveness. We all care for each other and hope everyone does as well as possible."