Nov. 1, 2005

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - With trips to nationals on the line, the Western Washington University men's and women's cross country teams will compete in the NCAA II West Regional on Saturday at Prado Park in Chino, Calif.

The 6-kilometer women's event begins at 11 a.m. and the 10-kilometer men's race follows at noon

The top three teams in both the men's and the women's regional meet earn berths at the NCAA II National Championships on the same course two weeks later. The top two individuals from non-qualifying teams also gain national berths, and any individual finishing in the top five is also guaranteed a national spot.

Head coach Pee Wee Halsell said Western's men, currently ranked No.5 in the West Region, will be in contention for a trip to nationals.

"We've got a shot," Halsell said. "I think we could finish as high as second or we could be back as far as seventh. I think it's that close. We've got a chance to beat Alaska Anchorage who beat us at the conference championships, but we've got to run on all cylinders."

Chico State, ranked No.2 in the American Cross Country Coaches Association/NCAA II Poll, is the heavy favorite to take the men's race. The Wildcats have won the last three regional titles.

"If Chico State doesn't win, something really big-time happened," Halsell said.

Halsell said Cal Poly Pomona, UC San Diego, Humboldt State and Seattle Pacific will also be in the mix.

Competing for Western are Sam Bedell (Fr, Reno, NV/Bishop Manogue), Sam Brancheau (Jr., Edmonds/Edmonds/Woodway), Keith Lemay (So., Lynden/Lynden Christian), Chad Portwood (Jr., Cheney/Western State CO), Logan Senrud (Jr., Bigfork, MT), Michael Stewart (So., Edmonds/Edmonds-Woodway) and Anthony Tomsich (Fr., Fairbanks,AK/West Valley).

Chico State is also among the favorites in the women's race. The Wildcats have won the past two regionals and will compete with UC San Diego, Seattle Pacific, Cal Poly Pomona and Cal State L.A. for this year's title.

Western's best chance at sending a representative to nationals is Laura Trevellyan (Sr., Vashon/Vashon Island), a two-time All-American seeking her third consecutive trip to nationals.

Halsell said Trevellyan will face a battle to secure an individual berth, however, against a talented West Region field.

"We don't know what teams are going to qualify," Halsell said. "We know Chico State has some runners that can load up the front, as well as UC San Diego. It's going to be really hard to finish in that top five, because there are some really good individuals on those top teams."

Trevellyan finished third at regionals last year after placing fifth in 2003 and 13th in 2002.

"I think Laura has a good chance," Halsell said. "She's going to go in and compete and I think she's ready to have a good race.

Also participating for the Vikings are Lexi Baxter (Sr., Colville), Jolene Boogaard (Fr., Kelson), Erin Deasy (Jr., Gig Harbor/Tulsa OK), Keely Kaligis (So., Mukilteo/Kamiak), Jill Keller (Fr., Spokane/Mount Spokane) and Katrina Schwerdtfeger (Sr., Mountlake Terrace/Everett CC).