Running his way onto Pacific University’s all-time top-25 list, junior transfer Jerry Sanchez is making a name for himself on the cross country team.
Sanchez earned number 19 on the all-time list for 8,000 meters at the Linfield Preview in Brooks, Ore. a month ago.
He led the Pacific men’s team to fifth place with a 26:29:39 time. He led three other Boxers into the top-10, which caused his team to place second with 44 points total.
“I was really shocked,” said Sanchez. “It’s weird to see I beat a past student from a zillion years ago.”
On top of Sanchez’s accomplishment, both of the teams have continued to improve with time.
“Everyone’s pushing faster and faster every time and we train harder and harder every week,” said Sanchez.
The team’s efforts in practices have shown.
At their last home meet, the Boxer Rebellion, the men’s team came in third out of five teams and the women came in fourth out of the five.
Sanchez said the teams continue to do well because the intercompetition between teammates is joyful.
“It’s like a try-and-catch-me game, in a sort of playful way,” he said.
The teams are very playful with each other. They have had many teambuilding opportunities. And all the members have taken advantage of them.
From making Sunday morning breakfasts for everyone, watching Saturday night movies and having a rap battle between the freshmen, they have grown closer this season.
“Being there for one another is the main thing that makes us succeed,” said Sanchez.
The confidence of the team has grown with their closer bond.
Sanchez said the team is like a family, they are warm with one another.
The goals Sanchez has for the team continue to support team efforts to win.
“I want to try and support our team getting in the top four in conference,” he said. “That’d be really nice and if we close the team gap, we can achieve it.”
Sanchez also has personal goals.
“I really want to run 25:25,” said Sanchez.
This means Sanchez would run five miles in 25 minutes.
The cross country team has the possibility of three championships in their future.
The Northwest Conference Championships will be held at 10 a.m. Oct. 29 in Willamette Mission State Park in Brooks, Ore.
The NCAA West Region Championships will be held at 9 a.m. Nov. 12 at Pomona-Pitzer Colleges in Claremont, Calif.
The NCAA Division III Championships will be held at 10 a.m. Nov. 19 at Lake Breeze GC in Winneconne, Wis.
While these events approach, Sanchez is still just enjoying running.
“It makes me feel free with no restrictions,” said Sanchez. “I can go out and no one can say ‘hey, run this fast’ or ‘this slow.’ It’s my outlet.”
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