2007-08 Season Preview
Sprints
In the 2007 season CU’s sprint crew posted NAIA nationals qualifying times in both the 4x100 and 4x400. Three sophomores return from those squads. Jake Erickson (Bloomingdale, MI) continues as the workhorse of the group after breaking both the indoor and outdoor 400 meter freshman records (50.58/48.46). Dwayne Norman (Brampton, ONT) aims for nationals in the 200 meters where he narrowly missed qualifying last year with his personal best of 22.16. Junior, Joey Symonds (Greenville, MI) who was an All American in 2007 in the 400 meter leg of the distance medley, will contribute in the short sprints and also be a vital leg each of the sprint relays.
Hurdles
Kurtis Koffkey (Swartz Creek, MI) returns to continue his pursuit toward nationals in the 400 meter hurdles, while also aiming to be the conference champion in the event. Freshman Jim VanOss (Kentwood, MI/South Christian HS) will make the adjustment to the 42 inch hurdles in the short hurdle races and contribute significantly in WHAC competition.
Middle Distance
Derek Scott’s graduation leaves a huge hole in the middle distance events. The 2007 NAIA 1500 meter national champion anchored the distance medley and 4 x 800 relays to All-America honors in 2006 and 2007. Senior Robert Atwood (Grant, MI), the remaining veteran of both those relays and comes off his best cross country season ready to lead. Fellow senior, Luke Owens (Rockford, MI) and sophomore Zach Ripley bring nationals experience from 800 meters through 3k and should figure prominently in the steeplechase. Sophomore Billy Carl (Dewitt, MI) adds depth and range from the 800 to the steeplechase. Freshman George Holberg (Phoenix, AZ / Washington HS) has sub 2:00 experience in the 800.
Distance
Tremendous success of the Cornerstone Cross Country program the past two seasons carries over onto the oval. The 2008 distance squad is the deepest and most experienced in program history. Transfer, Sammy Maiyo (Lindsay Wilson / Eldoret, Kenya) was All-American in the 5,000 and 10,000 in 2007 and brings PR’s of 14:57.06 and 30:59.30. Junior Wes Muller (Alto, MI / Northpointe Christian), looks to make a return trip in the marathon at the NAIA Outdoor T&F championships. Sophomore Stephan Larson (Belmont, MI / Rockford HS) and freshman Jesse Robbins (Muskegon, MI / Mona Shores HS) are serious scoring threats in the WHAC at 10,000 meters. Sophomore Kelvin Shuneson set the school record for the 3,000 meter race walk indoors and qualified for nationals both indoor and outdoor in the walk.
Jumps
Going vertical has never been a problem for the Golden Eagle jumpers. This year, two multi-event athletes will have that responsibility. Matt Haskins (Maple Grove, MN) cleared 6’4 high jump and is capable of soaring over 14’ in the pole vault. Aaron Damstra (Byron Center, MI) has been the team’s best pole vaulter (14’0) the past two seasons, will add long jump and high jump to his role.
Multi Events
After injury kept Matt Haskins out of competition the entire 2007 season, the 2006 NAIA All-American returns for his junior year and is a serious threat in both the indoor heptathlon and outdoor decathlon. The current school record holder in the decathlon (6,545 points) Haskins ranks among the top five in CU history in high jump (6’4) 400m (49.89) pole vault (13’3) and javelin (161’9). Aaron Damstra who has vaulted and long jumped for CU, will be Haskins’ training partner, work toward national qualifying marks in one or both of the multi-events.
