Over Two Dozen Alumni Take Part in Bruin Alumni 4K Race with Varsity Runners

ST. PAUL, Ore. - With a total of 25 George Fox University cross country and track and field alums joining them, the George Fox University men's and women's cross country teams enjoyed a fun-filled competition and picnic in the Bruin Alumni Race Saturday here at the Champoeg State Heritage Area.

It was the Bruins' first home meet in three years and their first time to run at Champoeg since 2004 (they used Willamette Mission State Park as their home course in 2007).  The men and women ran together in a 4K race through the scenic park and along the Willamette River bank.

In a close three-man finish, alumnus Jake Moe edged fellow alum Brandon Workman 12:46.20 to 12:46.88, with varsity runner Joseph Pia right behind at 12:47.43.  Other times for current Bruins included 13:26.74 for Austin Morrell, 13:31.22 for Allen Cassel, 13:36.62 for Mike Calavan, 13:45.48 for Tyler Magill, 13:58.42 for Aaron Molstad, 14:59.30 for Chad Sutfin, and 15:48.44 for Justin Holman.

The top women's runner was former cross country NAIA All-American Stephanie Morrow, who cruised to victory in 15:43.35.  Runner-up was Dawn Hartwig, another former NAIA All-American and wife of current Bruins' head coach John Smith, who posted a time of 16:39.86. 

Chelsea Sowards had the best time among current Bruins with a 17:11.53.  She was followed by Lizzy Alaimo, running her first race for George Fox after recently joining the team, with a 17:32.12, then came Alyssa Turner in 17:39.24, Anna Thomas in 17:42.01, Alicia Haresnape in 18:17.30, Melissa Kristovich in 18:20.58, and Anja Harder in 19:03.15.

Complete results of the Bruin Alumni Race are available on line on the George Fox men's or women's cross country web sites at http://athletics.georgefox.edu/sports/wxc/2010-11/stats/0926.html or http://athletics.georgefox.edu/sports/mxc/2010-11/stats/0926.html.

"This was really a great day," said George Fox distance coach Jeff Larson, who coordinated the event.  "We had beautiful weather and a terrific turnout; I can't believe how many alumni and families showed up for this.  I look forward to making this an annual event again and getting to know many of our former runners."

NEXT: George Fox will return to more serious competition next Saturday, Oct. 2, in the 36th Annual Charles Bowles Willamette University Invitational at Bush's Pasture Park in Salem, Ore.  The day's events are scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m., with the complete schedule to be announced later in the week.