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.