Wildcats to Compete at USATF Indoor T&F Nationals

When competition gets underway at this weekend's USATF Indoor National Meet in Albuquerque, NM Linfield College will have two alums spiked up and ready to go. Linfield All-American Joanna Murphy - a 2007 graduate - will be toeing the line in the women's 3000 meters. Her qualifying time of 9:18 should put her right in the thick of things.

Joanna Murphy on her way to hitting her National qualifying mark.

In the field events, 2012 NCAA DIII National Champion and 2012 Linfield grad Catherine Street, will go head to head with the likes of Olympic gold medalist Jenn Suhr.

Catherine Street dominating indoors during her Linfield days.

"Regardless of the outcome, it's pretty great to see these ladies on the next level," stated Assistant Coach Greg Mitchell. "Not very many DIII programs can say they have a former athlete competing at USATF Nationals, let alone TWO of them."

Watch Joanna and Catherine and the rest of USATF Indoor Nationals Sunday, March 3 at 1pm (PST) on NBCSN.

Wildcats Compete Well at Dempsey
February 10, 2013

SEATTLE, WA - A handful of Linfield distance runners headed to the University of Washington over their January Term Break to battle some of the top distance runners in the Northwest. The distance highlight of the meet was Siena Noe's heat winning 10:45 in the 3000 meters.

"We haven't done any workouts on the track yet, so it's great to see Siena racing well already," stated distance coach Greg Mitchell. "We have two weeks until our first outdoor meet and Siena and the rest of the crew should be ready."

The Wildcats start their outdoor campaign at the Erik Anderson Memorial Icebreaker at Linfield College on March 1 and 2.

Siena Noe heads toward the tape at the Husky Open.

Q & A With the ‘Cats - Get to know Audrey Lichten

Year: Sophomore

Home Town: Sequim, Washington

Major/Minor: Electronic Arts/Communication Arts

Why did you come to Linfield?

I came to Linfield because I loved the community here. Everyone is friendly and down to earth, the professors genuinely care about your education and the XC team is a big family! Plus Oregon is beautiful and we’re not in a big city.

What is your fondest memory thus far from your time at Linfield?

Everything from Camp K freshman year.

What is it that you enjoy most about cross country?

I love the team!!! I like that we eat together on a regular basis, whether that be in Dillin or at the Rams Head. We also hang out together outside of xc stuff like on nights and weekends. It’s awesome knowing that you always have people who care about you.

Who is your athletic hero/role-model?

Stephanie Marcy. She ran for my high school and set most of the school records and won state a couple times, then went on to run for Stanford University and was a three-time All-American. She’s an amazing distance runner and has been the person that I look up since I was little.

Do you crinkle your race bib number or leave it smooth?

Leave it smooth.

What’s your most embarrassing athletic moment?

I can’t think of one because I’m sure I’ve repressed it from my memory.

What is your favorite movie?

How to Train your Dragon (surprisingly so funny!)

What song is most played on your iPod?

Hurricane by Jimmy Needham.

What is your homepage on your computer?

Google.

What words of wisdom would you offer to a college-bound high school senior? 

Pick the school that feels right. The atmosphere with the people, the layout, the size, visit the school and you’ll know if it feels right.

Audrey Lichten battling to the finish as the 2012 West Region Championships.

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Wildcats Bust Some Rust at the Kibbie Dome
February 2, 2013

Select members of the Linfield College track team made their way to the University of Idaho and the Kibbie Dome for the Vandal Collegiate Indoor Track Meet last weekend. Highlights for the distance crew came from sophomore Audrey Lichten, who placed third in the women’s 800m in a time of 2:22.

“It’s early in the season, but I felt pretty good,” stated Lichten. “Considering we haven’t done any speed work, I’ll definitely take it.”

The women’s 3000m also had some impressive early season performances from the Wildcat women. Sophomore Siena Noe led the way with a top 10 finish in 10:57 followed by junior Hannah Greider in 10:59 and sophomore Brooke Niemann in 11:09.

“The ladies definitely stuck their noses in it and battled well,” stated distance coach Greg Mitchell. “I expect all of these women to be in the thick of things at the NWC championships in April.”

University of Idaho's Kibbie Dome.