Completed Event: Cross Country versus NCAA Championships on November 22, 2025 , , 17th / 32
Final Score
Cross Country
17th / 32
vs NCAA Championships
The University of Utah Athletics
Previewing The Mountain West Conference Championships
10/31/2002 12:00 AM | Cross Country
Oct. 31, 2002
Mountain West Conference Cross Country ChampionshipsFriday, Nov. 1Women (6K): 3:30 p.m.Men (8K): 4:15 p.m.East Bay Golf Course, Provo, Utah--take exit 266 from I-15http://themwc.ocsn.com/sports/c-xc/stats/xc-today_02-mwc.html
SALT LAKE CITY-Looking ahead to the Mountain West Conference Championships on Friday, Nov. 1, the Utah cross country teams have a chance at individual and team success. A lot of what happens this weekend will depend on the idea of pack running, which Head Coach Brian Appell stresses and teaches.
"This team has continued to peak as a pack throughout the season," says Appell. Before the Pre-National Meet held on Oct. 19, the Ute men ranked eighth, but have since moved up two spots to No. 6. The Ute women weren't ranked before the Pre-National Meet, but now sit at No. 8 in the region.
Appell also believes that neither team has performed to its ability. Last season the men peaked at region and pulled off a sixth-place finish. Heading into the conference championships this weekend, Appell forsees the men battling for second through fourth place. "This team is more cohesive compared to last season, both in camaraderie and athletic ability," states Appell.
Delfino Arevalo, a juco transfer, has been the men's top runner this season. Currently Arevalo ranks in the top 25 runners overall and has a chance to qualify for the NCAA Championships. The Livingston, Calif., native needs to finish as a top four runner not linked to an NCAA qualifying team at the Mountain Region Championships
Switching gears to the women's team, Appell is predicting a third-place finish. Brigham Young, the returning national champions, and Colorado State should finish one two in the race. Battling the Utes for third place will be Air Force.
Tara Hall, who has been the Utes first finisher during the past three races, also has a chance to qualify for the NCAA Championships. Hall currently sits just outside of the top 25 ranking and is 14 seconds shy of qualifying. Individually, she looks to drop seconds off her time this weekend with an NCAA berth in mind.
This weekend marks one of the final races for seniors Lion Gallegos, and team OZ (Jen and Julie Osguthorpe), who have all been four-year letterwinners at the U. Gallegos ranks in the both Ute top 10 for the 5K and 10K. Julie Osguthorpe has developed into a top-five finisher for the Utes, while Jen is also contributing greatly to the team's overall finishes.
Overall, Appell describes the 2002 season as one of periodization. "We are never in the early rankings. But, I don't mind that because we like being the underdog."
QUOTES FROM HEAD COACH APPELL AND SOME RUNNERS PREVIEWING THIS WEEKEND
Senior Lion Gallegos
"I am hoping we can all bring it together this weekend. We've gotten better every meet and are synchronized. We just need to run hard and run well."
Head Coach Brian Appell
"Lion has really developed into a solid performer over the past two years. His contributions to the team are very important, and he has become a top-five finisher for us."
Junior Colby Frazier
"Hopefully I can place in the top seven, like I did last year. This season has been rough because of some nagging injuries. I'm not quite as fit as last season."
"I know this team really wants to beat Colorado State for second place. If not, third is a respectable finish."
Junior Delfino Arevalo
"I'm hoping to run my best and earn more points towards qualifying for nationals."
"I think the team can get a berth to the NCAA Championships."
Head Coach Brian Appell
"Delfino has separated himself from the rest of the pack. He has adapted to my coaching style and to the elevation."
Senior Julie Osguthorpe
Head Coach Brian Appell
"Julie has been a consistent fifth-place finisher for our team. Her consistency over the past two season has contributed greatly to the team's places."
Senior Jen Osguthorpe
"I'm excited and sad at the same time because this is one of the last meets. I like to remind the team of the quote, 'If the mind can believe it, you can achieve it,' and stress the idea-Team Cross Country."
Head Coach Brian Appell
"Jen has stepped up as a competitor and has placed in several meets. Her contributions should continue during the track seasons."
Junior Tara Hall
"Individually I want to go out and exceed my own expectations. I need to improve my time and place overall this weekend. When the race starts, I'll see who's there and then know what I'm capable of."
Head Coach Brian Appell
"Tara has proven to be our top or second finisher over the course of the season."
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