Rainy Day Doesn't Dampen Performances
March 14, 2015

GRESHAM, Ore. - Despite heavy rain all day at the Mt. Hood Community College Open, the Wildcat distance crew managed to have a strong showing. Chad Linnerooth hit the NWC qualifying mark in the 1500 meters while Kaelia Neal did the same on the women's side. Brooke Niemann won the steeple chase and qualified easily, in her first 3k steeple in over a year. Season's bests were achieved across the board and numerous athletes crept ever-closer to snagging a qualifying time for the championship meet.

Jeff Lee, Tyler Griffin and Calvin Howell battle the competition and the weather in the 5k.

"While it's still early in the season, we had some really outstanding performances in less than ideal conditions," stated assistant coach Greg Mitchell. "I expect that we'll have multiple qualifiers in all of the distance events once the championships arrive."

Brooke Niemann on her way to victory in the 3k steeple chase.

2015 Outdoor Season Ice is Broken at Linfield Icebreaker
March 7, 2015

MCMINNVILLE, Ore - Early season weather has rarely been as good as it was for this year's edition of the Linfield Icebreaker as temperatures broke into the 70s and with over 600 athletes in attendance, the competition was hot as well. "Many Wildcats saw their first race action in months, so it was a bit of a mixed bag," stated assistant coach Greg Mitchell. "We had some great performances and for others this was all about getting that race mentality back."

The highlight of the meet for the Linfield distance crew was the 10,000 meters, which was held on Friday night under the lights. The Wildcats had four athletes hit the Northwest Conference Championship mark. On the women's side, freshman Emma Knudson hit the standard in her first effort at the 25 lap distance. "I was pretty scared going in," said Knudson. "But it ended up being pretty fun and I look forward to trying it again this season. I know I can go faster."

Adrian Clifford, Chris Poole and Jeff Lee work together mid-race in the Icebreaker 10k.

On the men's side, Chris Poole, Calvin Howell and Adrian Clifford all hit the standard. After missing nearly an entire year due to an Achilles injury, Howell was happy to be back in action. "It wasn't a personal record, but I am pretty happy with my race," stated Howell. "This is just the beginning."

Chris Poole leads the charge under the lights at the Linfield Icebreaker 10k.

Calli Dowdy and Brooke Niemann lead the pack during the women's Icebreaker 5k.

Scenes From a Linfield XC Winter
January - February, 2015

The winter months saw the Linfield distance crew put its collective nose to the grindstone as the athletes put in the grunt work that will carry them to new heights this track season. Long miles, time trials and an occasional indoor meet dotted the calendar. Some highlights are below:

Adrian Clifford, Chris Poole and Chris Roth jockey for position in the 3k at an indoor meet in Boise,  ID.

In keeping with tradition, the men's team sports their  high school singlets for the January time trial.

The team prepares to take in a showing of McFarland, USA at the McMinnville Cinema.