DAVID NAKAGAMI
Assistant Sports Editor
The start of the academic school year signals many things: a new class of freshman, different living situations, and a new list of classes with accompanying books. It also marks the beginning of Pepperdine’s cross-country runners training for their upcoming season. However, this year, the team has started their pre-season on beautiful Catalina Island. The majority of the team went to Catalina for the weekend of Aug. 17 to enjoy the scenery, camp and, of course, enjoy the 11 mile trail runs.
This year more than years past, the faces in the pack will be new. The men and women’s teams are infused with fresh talent. Both teams will be relying heavily on the freshmen’s performances for their success.
“I like to race and compete,” David Williams said. “I just like to win.”
Among the reasons that attracted such a substantial group of recruits to Malibu were the idyllic location and the presence of Coach Robert Radnoti, entering his second year leading both cross-country squads.
“So far I think he’s really determined, and has high goals and expectations for us,” freshman runner Williams said. “He’s confident in us that we’ll be really good. And he likes to train us hard.”
Sophomore Katie Hyten agreed with Williams, adding, “He wants the best for the team. He is such a blessing.”
With such an intense training regimen during the week, the team expects the work to pay off in the form of strong finishes. The team members wake up early for 7 a.m. practice, with many of them hitting the gym later in the day for core strengthening, aquatic training or more running.
Players say the arduous practices seem to be working already, giving confidence and inspiration, along with perspiration, to the cross-country runners.
“We’re going to improve on last season,” Williams said. “And have a good showing at regionals.”
Fellow freshman Henri Floris put it more simply.
“We’re here to compete,” he said.
The ambitions of the women’s team is no different.
“We want to be the best that we can be,” Hyten said. “The possibilities are endless.”
Individually, Hyten stated that she wants to help the team out any way possible. Her goals are the team’s goals, and says she is encouraged by the way the teammates constantly push each other to higher levels of performance.
The Waves’ first step on the road to success begins Saturday, when Pepperdine opens the 2007 season at home against LMU in Alumni Park.
“We love to get lots of support,” Hyten said. “We’re looking forward to a great season.”
08-27-2007
