MOC men's cross country team ready for D2 championship meet

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on November 19, 2013 1:46 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

MOUNT OLIVE -- A dynasty in men's college cross country?

Mount Olive is definitely getting closer.

The Trojans will make their third consecutive appearance in the 2013 NCAA Division II national cross country championships Saturday in Spokane, Wash. The starter's gun sounds at 2:30 p.m.

"Last year, we all knew that it was the beginning of a good run for the team," MOC sophomore Dylan Lafond said. "(We) went in there with hopes that we could do well and if we didn't do well, we knew this was a stepping stone. Each year from then on (the program) is going to build into a good team like this year.

"The biggest thing we took away (from last year) was just experience."

Ranked 11th nationally, Mount Olive claimed the Southeast Regional crown and automatic bid to the nationals two weeks ago. Lafond emerged the individual champion on the 10k course and later earned the Southeast Regional runner-of-the-year award.

Since that latest effort, the Trojans have been readjusting their workout regimen for the final meet of the season. They began a 10-day tapering period last Thursday where they've continued to run a consistent pace, but cut back on the mileage.

That strategy should give the Trojans "fresher" legs for the hilly and challenging 10,000-meter course at Plantes Ferry Sports Complex, which is at sea level. The weather forecast calls for temperatures in the high 30s and a light wind.

"I am really excited for nationals because of the way he (MOC coach Matt van Lierop) prepared us for conference and regionals, and tapering all the way back for nationals," said Austin Steagall, a junior and JUCO transfer from Spartanburg Methodist.

"I'm excited to see what we can pull out. I feel like I'm blessed that I was able to come to a team that has such heart and wants to be the best."

Lafond finished 93rd among 245 runners, while teammate Aki Kitagawa placed 109th during last year's championships. The Trojans ended up 28th among 32 competing teams.

One year earlier, MOC took 22nd as a team.

Adams and Western State have set the standard since 1992. The two powerhouses have combined to win 17 national championships. Adams is the reigning title holder, while Western prevailed in 2011.

"It's the biggest race of our season and the difference between this (and other meets), it's the best of the best," Lafond said. "When you're out there, you're running with squads that can all score well, and if it's their day, they're going to run really well.

"Adams State, Western State, Colorado Mines, Grand Valley ... they're all terrific dynasties in their own way and I think we have that to look forward to as well. This school can be up there in a few years.

"It's a dynasty in the making. Absolutely."