It could make or break the Oregon cross country teams’ seasons.
Depending on its performances, the Pre-NCAA meet could be the first or last trip to the Iowa State cross country course this season for the Ducks.
An impressive showing at the meet, which previews the NCAA Championship meet on Nov. 20, could mean an almost guaranteed bid for NCAAs. A poor showing could mean that the Ducks’ seasons would end at the Western Regional meet on Nov. 11.
“Our most important goal is to beat some teams that will be vying for an at-large selection in November,” Oregon women’s coach Tom Heinonen said. “This is the big meet that the selection committee uses for sorting out the NCAAs.”
The top-two schools from each of the nine regions automatically qualify for the NCAAs. The selection committee then selects 13 additional at-large teams. The committee heavily weighs their decisions on national rankings and performances at the Pre-NCAA meet.
Seventeen of the nation’s top-25 teams will be on hand for the meet, which stands to be the largest collegiate meet ever run. Seventy-two teams are entered, totaling more than 450 runners in each race.
“We need to take care of business in Ames,” Heinonen said. “It will put us in a good spot to be in come November.”
The Ducks haven’t missed many NCAA meets over the years. Heinonen’s women have been to 23 NCAA meets in the 25 years it has been a varsity sport. The men have gone onto 28 postseason appearances since 1963, including seven in the last eight years.
“The meet will give us a good look at the national course,” Heinonen said. “Having been in Ames will help us feel more confident in November. But it will be dramatically different when we come back. It’s fall now, but it will be winter when we come back — essentially.”
The Ducks will field much more experienced teams this year than last year. Five of the seven women entered ran at the NCAA meet last year. Five Duck men have significant experience as well.
“Last year we took four freshmen,” Heinonen said. “Now we have five of seven girls who have NCAA experience and only one freshman.”
A trio of seniors lead the women’s team: transfer Hanna Smedstad, Katie Crabb and Rhiannon Glenn.
The Ducks also have a strong sophomore class in Eri MacDonald, Erinn Gulbrandsen and transfer Carrie Zografos. Freshman Laura Harmon is also entered in the meet.
On the men’s side, senior Michael Kasahun and sophomore Jason Hartmann lead the pack. They are followed by veterans Adam Bergquist, Sam Hill and Lincoln Nehring.
Competing for the final varsity spots in Ames are freshmen Chris Clancy, Aaron Emery, Bret Holts, John Lucas and Noel Paulson.
The men’s Division 1 10,000-meter race begins at 8:30 a.m., followed immediately by the women’s 6,000-meter race.