Dan Oekerman
Beaverton HS
2013
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
5K- 15:48 and I ran that in the Bowerman AC 5k earlier this summer
Tell us how your training is going?
My summer training is going really well. (Coach) Stuart (Eagon) (teammate) Hussein (Mohammed) and I meet up to go on runs 5-10 times a week which is really nice because I like to train with other people. My fitness and strength are coming along really nicely and I cant wait to be able to race and see how much my hard work has paid off.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
I have two goals for this upcoming XC season. One is to be able to be able to run in the state meet with my team mates. I have been lucky enough to run with them both years so far and I can't think about running without them this year. My other goal is to place as a team at state. Last year, we finished 5th as a team, but were only 7 points away from being 3rd in state. With the guys we have returning this year, I think that we can improve on last year's placing.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started running in 6th grade. My neighbor signed up for track and I decided to do it with him. I won my first race and have been hooked since then.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
I will definitely be competing out of state this year. I plan on running in a regional meet and hopefully qualify for Nationals this year. I don't know which Regionals I will run in yet (either Nike Cross or Foot Locker). That decision will come later on after the state meet after I assess my season and see which one is better for me to run in.
Favorite course to run in Oregon?
My favorite course to run in the state would have to be the State Course. It is my favorite because it is the only time that all the top runners in the state are racing at the same time. Also, there are so many people watching the race that the noise when you run by the spectators is unlike any other meet I have ever ran in.
Toughest course in Oregon?
I think that the toughest course in the state, at least the ones that I have run on, would have to be the State Meet course as well. There is no hard surface on the entire course so it is hard for your legs to recover at all during the race. Also, the last mile has a couple of really tough hills that take a lot out of your already dead legs.
Favorite Cross Country race so far in your high school career?
My favorite XC Race so far in my high school career would have to be the State meet last year. All the memories and experiences I have from that race makes it the best I have ever ran.
Favorite Cross Country memory?
My favorite cross country memory would have to be the State meet last year. I proved to myself that I could turn out to be a decent runner with that race. I came into the meet with a goal of getting top 20 and making the Border Clash team. I ended up running out of my mind and finishing 8th. That race was also a huge confidence boost and helped me reach a higher level of training over the winter.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
When I am not running I like to do a few things. I am a caddie at Portland Golf Club which takes up most of my free time. When I am not doing that, I like to read and write. I am a self proclaimed nerd and I like to learn a lot during the summer.
Favorite quote?
"You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do" - Henry Ford
Paige Rice
St. Mary's Academy HS
2014
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
Best 5K: 18:08 at the Mount Hood Conference District Meet at Centennial High School.
Tell us how your training is going?
Summer training has been going really well so far; though my mileage has increased, I’ve stayed injury free, and in high spirits. Overall I feel like I am definitely ahead of where I was last year at this time.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
I would really love to get a team win at state. It’s going to be a very competitive year, but if anyone can pull off the win I think it can be our girls! Go Blues!
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started running at a pretty early age actually, first grade I believe… And just a warning: the story of how I started isn’t filled with too much excitement. It was simply a matter of me not loving any other sport that I’d tried and my dad suggesting that I try running. After a year or so I was a full-fledged addict for the sport.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Yes I will! Our team is lucky enough to have a travel meet each year and this year we get to compete in the Stanford Invitational. We also get another opportunity later in the season to travel to Idaho for the Nike Cross Regional and test ourselves in pursuit of a Nike Cross National qualifying spot.
Favorite course to run in Oregon?
I love the history of the State meet finishing on the track; it’s a great stage for a championship meet. Unfortunately with the renovations last year I didn’t have the opportunity to finish on the track. But you can bet I am looking forward to it this year!
Toughest course in Oregon?
Well considering all the courses in the state… Steens Mountain’s “Uphill 5k” trumps all others… The amount of pain experienced in those 3 simple miles is unbelievable. Ouch.
Favorite Cross Country race so far in your high school career?
I loved racing at the Nike Pre-National meet. It was pretty early in the season last year and a good test; I was able to go about the rest of my season feeling confident in my training and in myself.
Favorite Cross Country memory?
I find that through team camps such as Steen’s Mountain and our yearly SMA beach trip, our team really comes together as a cohesive unit. Being that cross-country is in fact a team sport, that time to bond is very important to success and the enjoyment of the sport. So I would say within those camps, not even necessarily the time spent running, I really find joy in what I do.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
I always have a tough time answering this question. Because the truth is running is my life. So when I’m not running, my family, friends, and I can usually be found at a meet, watching a meet, talking about a meet, or anticipating a meet. We are running-aholics… nothing less.
Favorite quote?
“Ask yourself: “Can I give more?”. The answer is usually: ‘Yes’.”

– Paul Tergat
Neil Seibert
Crater HS
2012
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
15:44 Puma
Tell us how your training is going?
Summer training has been going great. We have a solid group of guys doing the work and fighting the fight everyday and or night. I would not be able to do what I'm doing without the help of my team mates and it should pay off!
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
Do more. Think Less.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I've been running since 6th grade. My main motivation for running started with despising my sister and wanting to be better than her at everything! Once she joined Crater XC my soul was pretty much sold for the next 4 years.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Yes, we will be flying to Woodbridge this year!
Favorite course to run in Oregon?
Seaside 3-course Challenge. Hard Course.
Toughest course in Oregon?
Good Question. I can't give a decent answer other than saying the worst racing experience of my life was at Pre-Nats in Portland. Its a little warmer than I prefer haha.
Favorite Cross Country race so far in your high school career?
I loved Puma last year. Perfect weather, 3rd year on the course, and not a bit of expectation. It felt like a tempo.
Favorite Cross Country memory?
Holding a state trophy and a Borderclash ticket in my hands.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
Eat. I love food.
Favorite quote?
"Do more. Think Less." - Loftus
Hussein Mohamed
Beaverton HS
2012
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
My best 5k time is 15:47. I ran that at BAC 5k.
Tell us how your training is going?
My summer training is going very good. I have trained and still training harder then ever before.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
My goals for this season are to be one of the top runners in the state. Also win the metro league title.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started running spring of 2010. So I have been running around a year and a half.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
I have no idea if I'm going to race out state. That's something find as the season goes alone.
Favorite course to run in Oregon?
The metro league district course would have to be my favorite.
Toughest course in Oregon?
The state course
Favorite Cross Country race so far in your high school career?
My favorite race so far is my first race because I didn't know what i was doing and what was going to happen.
Favorite Cross Country memory?
Team dinners
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
When I'm not running I like to sleep and hang out with friends
Jackson Baker
Franklin HS
2012
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
5K - 15:53 (New Balance in Monmouth).
Tell us how your training is going?
Really good - went to Prineville, Oregon in the Ochoco mountains for high altitude camp.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
Sub 15:40 5K and State Champion.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
Since the 4th grade because of my PE teacher.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Yes, but not exactly sure which meet yet.
Favorite course to run in Oregon?
The state course.
Toughest course in Oregon?
Sandy High School course.
Favorite Cross Country race so far in your high school career?
The New Balance Invitational.
Favorite Cross Country memory?
When I came in 13th in the state as a sophomore for cross country.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
Playing basketball and Xbox Live.
Favorite quote?
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." ~ Prefontaine
Kyle Thompson
Central Catholic HS
2014
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
My best 5k time is 15:44 at the Concordia invitational.
Tell us how your training is going?
My summer training is going very well. I have increased my mileage from last year
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
My goals this year for cross country are to lead my team to a state championship title and win state individually.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started in 3rd grade running CYO track and started running cross country in 7th grade. I started because my parents where both runners and they signed me up for track. I started running cross country when the soccer team I was on lost a game the night before which opened up my morning so I could run in a JO meet.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Yes, we are running in the Palos Verdes Invitational.
Favorite course to run in Oregon?
I don’t have a favorite high school course, but my favorite JO course is the Sandy high school course. I like that it has a forest and it has some hills. Also, its not just laps around a park. Lastly, I like coming out of the forest in the front when I went into the forest near the back.
Toughest course in Oregon?
The state championship course because the ground is really soft.
Favorite Cross Country race so far in your high school career?
Last year’s MHC district meet because Central Catholic won. I ran really well and surprised everybody.
Favorite Cross Country memory?
When I finished Border Clash and knew I ran a great race.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
Playing soccer or basketball.
Favorite quote?
"Anyone who says winning isn’t everything has never won."
Megan Fristoe
Summit HS
2012
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
18:21 in the Harrier Classic Meet
Tell us how your training is going?
Training this summer has been great!! I have been doing a lot of long trail runs, some hill workouts and tempo runs and I feel stronger than ever!
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
I would like to break 18:00 mins in the 5k and be a 3 time xc state champ!
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I have been running since 8th grade and I joined the xc team to make friends because I had just moved from CA. I never expected to have so many running successes!
Will you be competing out of state this season?
I will be running a couple out of state races like the Regionals meet in idaho and possible Foot Locker down in CA.
Favorite course to run in Oregon?
My favorite course in the Wildhorse Invitational in Pendleton. The course is on a golf course and it really pretty and fast!
Toughest course in Oregon?
I think the toughest course would be the Seaside 3 Course Challenge. Most of the course is sand, there are a lot of hills and a huge mud pit!! Though is may be challenging, it is also a ton of fun to run!
Favorite Cross Country race so far in your high school career?
My favorite races would be the 2009 and 2010 state championships. Not only did I have success at those meets, but our team as a whole did great!
Favorite Cross Country memory?
My favorite memory would definitely be winning my first state championship in 2009. It is an experience that i will never forget!
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
When I'm not running i like to go camping with friends and family, wind surfing in the hood river, float the river in Bend, stand up paddle boarding and just hang out with my friends.
Favorite quote?
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift" -Pre
Your team does so many things, please share a bit about the team experience at Summit.
I am very blessed to be on a team like Summit. We have so many great girls on our team that it makes training and racing enjoyable because you always have someone to push you harder, faster and encourage you as you go. It has been wonderful to be a part of such a great team!
Piper McDonald
Summit HS
2015
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
18:43 at Bend Turkey Trot.
Tell us how your training is going?
My summer training has been going really well and I'm very excited for the upcoming season.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
My goal for this next cross country season is to make it to Border Clash, and for our team to make it to Nationals.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I have been running for about 3 years now. I got started by running with my family.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
It depends on how far our team makes it.
Favorite course to run in Oregon?
I am going to be a freshman so I have never run a high school race.
Toughest course in Oregon?
I haven't ran one but I have heard people say that the State course is pretty tough.
Favorite Cross Country memory?
My favorite cross country memory so far is going to Summit's Cultus running camp.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
I enjoy cross country skiing whenever I am not running.
Favorite quote?
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." ~ Steve Prefontaine.
Your team does so many things, please share a bit about the team experience at Summit.
So far with the team we have done the Cascade Lakes Relay and had a running camp at Cultus Lake, which has made a pretty good team experience.
Kira Kelly
Summit HS
2012
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
19:19 at the Harrier Classic
Tell us how your training is going?
We just went to a running camp at Cultus Lake and we had 4 girls including me make it to the top of cultus mountain in under 1 hour. No girl has ever run up the mountain in under 1 hour since this camp was created!
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
My goal is to run under 19 minutes and make top 10 at state along with a team state championship and a shot at nationals!
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I have been running since Kindergarten when I did a fun run as part of a Camp Fire fundraiser. In middle school I got more serious when my best friends started beating me :)
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Every year summit competes in the Nike regional NW meet in Boise Idaho and we hope to qualify for nationals this year!
Favorite course to run in Oregon?
I like the Harrier classic course because it is flat and fast and I always pr at this meet! Seaside is always a fun meet too because it involves mud and sand :)
Toughest course in Oregon?
This year the toughest course will be TRASK. It involves crossing a river 3 times and climbing a steep hill covered in slippery mud.
Favorite Cross Country race so far in your high school career?
The top 12 at 5a state qualify for Border clash which is a race run at the Nike headquarters in Portland every year against Washington's best runners. It's very exclusive and the Schwag and course are completely awesome!
Favorite Cross Country memory?
Every moment I spend with my team and best friends is a new special memory.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
My best friends are on the xc team so when we're not at practice we still hang out and float the deschutes river on innertubes or bake tasty treats! (don't tell our coach :) )
Favorite quote?
"Ability may get you to the top but it takes character to keep you there"- John Wooden
Ashley Maton
Summit HS
2012
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
19:10 Harrier Classic
Tell us how your training is going?
Summer training is fun, we have so many trails to choose from and running with the team is always entertaining.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
I'd like to go sub 19 in the 5k, and place better at state then I did last year (10th).
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started running in 7th grade, I started because my mom was always a runner and it seemed like something i wanted to try. I also made many friends by joining a xc and track team so it was a social thing to begin with.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
I hope to run at borderclash again, and we may do some regional meets and try to make it to nationals.
Favorite course to run in Oregon?
I like the Harrier classic course because its mostly flat and pretty to run on.
Toughest course in Oregon?
The seaside hard course was really tough for me, some parts were really sandy, the hills were steep and the mud was hard to run through!
Favorite Cross Country race so far in your high school career?
Even though seaside was a hard course, I thought it was really fun because there is nothing else like it.
Favorite Cross Country memory?
Last year when our team were the state champs we all were so happy that all our hard work had payed off, and it motivated us to do even better next year.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
When I’m not running my friends and i like to get together and bake things.
Favorite quote?
"Don’t bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself." - William Faulkner
Your team does so many things, please share a bit about the team experience at Summit?
Our team has many activities that bring us closer. We run together everyday, so we know eachother really well. We have many fundraisers and things to volunteer at so its not all about running, its about having fun with our teammates and getting in shape to have an awesome season!
Jon Obeso
Crater HS
2012
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
15:22, Puma Classic
Tell us how your training is going?
Good, I've been chasing dragons from their fortress. Oh, and some wonderful runs as well
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
Read all of the Harry Potter books. Followed by watching the movies.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
In a galaxy far far away... I went to Scenic Middle School and Neil Seibert signed me up for Track as a 7th grader. From there Justin Loftus took us under his wing. The End.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Yes. In Transylvania. Vampire season. As well as California. Going back home.
Favorite course to run in Oregon?
Good ol' pre Nats when it's 90 degrees out. mmmm
Toughest course in Oregon?
Uh... somewhere in Klamath Falls.
Favorite Cross Country race so far in your high school career?
I was a fan of the Regional race. I practically passed out.
Favorite Cross Country memory?
Getting spiked at state in '09
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
Eat cookies, Talk about soup, Make Music, Make videos. You know... the usual stuff.
Favorite quote?
"Throwin' Hundreds when I should be throwin' ones" - Aubrey Graham