With an internal drive for success in both academics and athletics, Chandler Teigen proves to be a natural leader for WSU, and he was named co-captain for the Men's Track distance team.
 
The distance runner joined the team after graduating from Asotin High, a 2B school with an enrollment of just over 150 students. Teigen took the initiative to be a leader for the small school by becoming ASB President and being a member of numerous clubs.
 
"I preferred the small school feel," Teigen said. "I appreciated getting to know everyone well."
 
Teigen strives to excel in everything he does. Having won multiple state titles in both cross country and track and field, he graduated high school with a 4.0 grade point average, an achievement he says he couldn't have done without the life lessons of his parents. His parents hold a significant role in Teigen's life, having taught him the importance of working hard and being his best self.  
 
Teigen originally had his eyes set on playing football. His brother, Chase, was a senior while Teigen was a freshman, ran track and cross country. The boys' mother suggested Teigen try running as well.
 
"I realized I was a much better runner than I was football player," Teigen said.
 
The idea to try track has proven to have been a good one. Teigen has earned All-Pac-12 honors, All-Region honors, and competed in the NCAA National Cross Country Championships. The junior has also earned a spot on the Pac-12 Cross Country All-Academic First Team for the second consecutive year.
 
Teigen pushes himself to work hard in his academics, having earned his spot on WSU's Honor Roll since his enrollment. His love for math and science has guided him into the bioengineering field with a plan to go into medical school post-graduation, with a strong interest in becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
 
"Chandler is an amazing example of a student-athlete and a perfect example of the philosophy of our program: outstanding student, outstanding athlete, outstanding person," said Wayne Phipps, the Director of Cross Country and Track and Field at WSU.
 
Phipps praises Teigen's leadership abilities and the positive effect he's had on the performance and the wellbeing of the team.
 
Teigen's favorite part about being a Coug is his team. He's a strong believer in the idea that synergy within the team is the cause for their success.
 
"Being able to share sorrows and success with a group of people who become your friends, that's what it's all about," Teigen said.
 
The heart that Teigen holds for his team is captivating. Now, as one of the captains, his main goal is to lead his team to victory in the national championships. He plans on doing this by setting a good example of diligence and perseverance and to instill the mindset that a national win is plausible.  
 
"We want to perform well and we have the capability to do so," Teigen said.
 
Running has played a great role in most of Teigen's life, and he has no plans of that changing. Once he completes his schooling and is working as a surgeon, he is interested in becoming a high school track or cross country coach.
 
"So many runners have inspired me, it would be so rewarding to be able to be that for others," Teigen said with a smile.