Washington State University Athletics
WSU Cross Country Men Win Sundodger Invite, Women Place Fourth
September 22, 2001 | Cross Country
Seattle, Wash.-- The Washington State University men's cross country team claimed victory Saturday in the Sundodger Invitational at Lincoln Park, placing two runners in the top five. Â The Cougar women also performed well, capturing fourth place and defeating Pac-10 rival Oregon.
The WSU men won with a total of 32 points, followed by Washington with 33, UCLA 86, Auburn 118, Idaho 149, Eastern Washington 162, Portland State 234 and Boise State 256.
Cougar sophomore Ian Johnson, a native of Spokane, Wash., placed second overall with a time of 24 minutes, 18 seconds, crossing the finish line just three seconds ahead of teammate Oscar Franco-Parra. Â The two helped give WSU a one point victory over intrastate rival Washington on the Huskies' home course. Â The Johnson, Franco-Parra duo recorded a 1-2 finish at the Idaho Invitational two weeks ago, the Cougars' first meet of the year. Â
"This was a great team effort for us," WSU coach James Li said. Â "It's a great confidence builder, but we need to stay focused on our bigger goals for later in the season. Â We need to keep getting better and thinking about where we want to be."Â
Also running well for the Cougar men, senior Jon Welsh grabbed 10th place, junior Mark Wicklander 12th and freshman Mike Heidt 15th. Â Senior Scott Johnson crossed the line in 22nd place, junior Kyle Barker 27th, freshman Dan Wolf 32nd, sophomore Jim Neeway 48th and freshman Mike Barbero 49th. Â
Newcomer Everlyne Lagat continued to pace the Cougar women Saturday, placing fourth in a time of 17:18. Â The junior transfer from Malone College in Ohio won the NAIA championship last season, and claimed victory in her first race as a Cougar two weeks ago at the Idaho Invitational. Â WSU junior Anna Blue finished 15th, followed by senior Ryan Gilmore in 27th, and senior Jenny Filipy 31st. Â Running in her first race in two years, senior April Gagner grabbed 41st, with freshman Molly Bull placing 63rd, freshman Brittney Boysen 72nd, and sophomore Beth Welander 74th.
"All in all, we ran very well," Li said. Â "Lagat is still in the process of getting in her best shape. Â April came in as a strong fifth placer for us in her first race in two years."
The Washington women won the meet with 35 points, followed by UCLA 53, Auburn 95, WSU 107, Oregon 121, Boise State 144, Portland 225, Eastern Washington 256, and Idaho 275.
Next Saturday the Cougars face more tough competition at the Roy Griak Invitational in Minneapolis.
The WSU men won with a total of 32 points, followed by Washington with 33, UCLA 86, Auburn 118, Idaho 149, Eastern Washington 162, Portland State 234 and Boise State 256.
Cougar sophomore Ian Johnson, a native of Spokane, Wash., placed second overall with a time of 24 minutes, 18 seconds, crossing the finish line just three seconds ahead of teammate Oscar Franco-Parra. Â The two helped give WSU a one point victory over intrastate rival Washington on the Huskies' home course. Â The Johnson, Franco-Parra duo recorded a 1-2 finish at the Idaho Invitational two weeks ago, the Cougars' first meet of the year. Â
"This was a great team effort for us," WSU coach James Li said. Â "It's a great confidence builder, but we need to stay focused on our bigger goals for later in the season. Â We need to keep getting better and thinking about where we want to be."Â
Also running well for the Cougar men, senior Jon Welsh grabbed 10th place, junior Mark Wicklander 12th and freshman Mike Heidt 15th. Â Senior Scott Johnson crossed the line in 22nd place, junior Kyle Barker 27th, freshman Dan Wolf 32nd, sophomore Jim Neeway 48th and freshman Mike Barbero 49th. Â
Newcomer Everlyne Lagat continued to pace the Cougar women Saturday, placing fourth in a time of 17:18. Â The junior transfer from Malone College in Ohio won the NAIA championship last season, and claimed victory in her first race as a Cougar two weeks ago at the Idaho Invitational. Â WSU junior Anna Blue finished 15th, followed by senior Ryan Gilmore in 27th, and senior Jenny Filipy 31st. Â Running in her first race in two years, senior April Gagner grabbed 41st, with freshman Molly Bull placing 63rd, freshman Brittney Boysen 72nd, and sophomore Beth Welander 74th.
"All in all, we ran very well," Li said. Â "Lagat is still in the process of getting in her best shape. Â April came in as a strong fifth placer for us in her first race in two years."
The Washington women won the meet with 35 points, followed by UCLA 53, Auburn 95, WSU 107, Oregon 121, Boise State 144, Portland 225, Eastern Washington 256, and Idaho 275.
Next Saturday the Cougars face more tough competition at the Roy Griak Invitational in Minneapolis.
WSU Cross Country: Get to know WSU Cross Country Junior Nicole Bissel presented by Toyota! | 3/9/26
Monday, March 09
WSU Cross Country: Wayne Phipps WCC Men's Cross Country 8k Post Race Interview | 11/1/25
Saturday, November 01
WSU Cross Country: Solomon Kipchoge WCC Men's Cross Country 8k Post Race Interview | 11/1/25
Saturday, November 01
WSU Cross Country: 2025 WCC Cross Country Men's 8k Race | 11/1/25
Saturday, November 01
