With hotel reservations in Burney CA, the ‘Cat harriers made their way into Oregon, passing through some of the lesser known parts of the state, including the bustling metropolis of Wagon Wheel, Burns, and Lakeview. After dinner in Lakeview it was south on Hwy 395 into Alturas, CA, and West on Hwy 299, finally arriving in Burney at 11pm (Pacific Time). Sunday morning the group awoke, gathered their belongings and packed the bus one final time. A short 15 minute drive to Burney Falls Campground was made, and athletes and coaches now made another trip north, but this time it was by foot. The Chico Harriers hopped onto the Pacific Crest Trail (the one that extends from Mexico to Canada) and headed north while enjoying near perfect running conditions. Ten-to Eighteen mile long runs were enjoyed by all, and a group photo was taken as everyone enjoyed the majestic Burney Falls after the run. One last stretch of driving between Burney and Chico was covered fairly quickly and athletes and coaches arrived in Chico before 4pm on Sunday having endured nearly 1400 miles in the charter bus.
OK, back to the races!
Men’s 8,000: The men’s 8,000m was first up and the Wildcat men would go into the race the heavy favorite for the team title. Competition for the title would most likely be provided most by Boise State and Western Washington. Unfortunately Western had decided to “tempo” the race, while using it more as a workout, while seeing the layout of this fall’s regional course. This would give the ‘Cats smooth sailing to the title.
The course at Eagle Lake Park is an interesting one with a taste of different footing and obstacles. A narrow 1.5 mile loop with a VERY rough start-finish stretch, and a steep 70m hill each loop, keeps the runners’ mind focused on each step. Add a 75m beach stretch with thick sand, and the 2700ft of elevation, and you have an interestingly challenging layout. The men’s race would cover the full loop twice, and would add another partial loop that would swing the athletes back to the finish for the final 800m.
2,700 feet of elevation isn’t considered extreme elevation by any means, but for athletes who live and train at sea level, it’s important not to be overly aggressive in the early stretches of the race. The Wildcat men started for the most part conservatively, hoping to keep things aerobic in the early going and move through the field as they could. Getting out quite fast as a team was the UCSD men’s squad who may have enjoyed the team lead at the mile mark if it were scored there. ‘Cats assistant coach Pat Boivin who ran unnatached on Saturday took the lead in the second mile with Humboldt’s Jimmy Elam hot on his heels. As the race progressed Boivin continued to lead, but Wildcat top runner Tim Tollefson now joined Pat at the front as the two former HS teammates (Both are Rocklin HS Alum), controlled the pace of the 100+ runner field. A nice chase pack of Wildcats ran among the top 15 most of the race battling top runners from different programs. Michael Wickman, who was sick and didn’t finish the Chico Invit race, headed this group for much of the race. Manny Mejia, Jordan Page, and Angel Marquez all ran within a few strides of one another most of the run.
By the conclusion of the third lap Chico now had five among the top 10 overall and could cruise to the finish, assured of the team title.
It should be noted that RS Frosh Alan Campos ran the final 4 miles with only one shoe as another runner had clipped his foot taking off his racing flat. Perhaps the toughest part for Campos was having to run by the lost show twice more on the loop course on his way to finishing 52nd overall. As the Wildcat men received the team award, (a large trophy with a racing shoe anchored to the top) it was decided that Campos would hold the award for the pictures. (see below)
A quick breakdown for the ‘Cats: Tollefson continued his solid front running today. Wickman opened with a nice effort after being sick the week of the Chico Invit. Mejia, Marquez and Page all enjoyed another solid outing. Jordan Fairley appears to be rounding into shape nicely. Perhaps the best run of the day for the men was that of Matt LoForte a RS Frosh who missed much of the summer’s training w/ IT Band issues. Matt is definitely becoming more and more fit with each week of training. Thomas Whitcomb and Brendan Scanlon ran among the leaders for the initial 3k, before falling off the pace. Scanlon who was among the ‘Cats top five @ the Chico meet was sick as was Isaias Escobedo (another scorer in Chico). As a combination of health and fitness is achieved, we should have a VERY substantial 10 that will toe the line at the upcoming CCAA meet in October.
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