Temple University Athletics
Lapsansky and Seiger Reflect on USATF Junior Cross Country Championships
2.7.17 | Men's Cross Country
BEND, Ore. – On Saturday, two members of the Temple men's cross country program represented the university at the USATF 2017 Junior Cross Country National Championships. As the first in program history to participate in this national meet, freshmen Kevin Lapsansky and Zach Seiger ran amongst some of the top college cross country athletes in the country at the snowy River's End Golf Course.
The sloppy and icy conditions of the course in Oregon was far from what the duo is used to. "The race itself was on an extremely difficult course, especially with the weather conditions," said Seiger. "Competing on that type of course will make us tougher runners, which will be important when we return to the punishing hills of our home course, Belmont Plateau, next season."
Out of the field of 39 runners, the Owls managed to finish just around the top-20. Lapsansky finished the 8K in 18th place with a time of 27:51.
"Despite the difficulty of the course, I think Zach and I ran well and will continue do our best to positively represent Temple distance running," said Lapsansky. "Going out to Oregon was a once in a lifetime chance that we were very lucky to be a part of. It showed us a whole new aspect of running, which I think will help us both in the future."
Seiger finished not too far behind in 28:05, earning 21st place. "Being able to travel out to Oregon for USATF Junior Nationals was an incredible opportunity," he said. "There is something special about being able to extend our season since we are one of the few cross country-only programs in country. I'm grateful to have shared this experience with my coach and teammate; it's something I will never forget."
Results
The sloppy and icy conditions of the course in Oregon was far from what the duo is used to. "The race itself was on an extremely difficult course, especially with the weather conditions," said Seiger. "Competing on that type of course will make us tougher runners, which will be important when we return to the punishing hills of our home course, Belmont Plateau, next season."
Out of the field of 39 runners, the Owls managed to finish just around the top-20. Lapsansky finished the 8K in 18th place with a time of 27:51.
"Despite the difficulty of the course, I think Zach and I ran well and will continue do our best to positively represent Temple distance running," said Lapsansky. "Going out to Oregon was a once in a lifetime chance that we were very lucky to be a part of. It showed us a whole new aspect of running, which I think will help us both in the future."
Seiger finished not too far behind in 28:05, earning 21st place. "Being able to travel out to Oregon for USATF Junior Nationals was an incredible opportunity," he said. "There is something special about being able to extend our season since we are one of the few cross country-only programs in country. I'm grateful to have shared this experience with my coach and teammate; it's something I will never forget."
Results
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Cross Country
/ Men's Cross Country
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