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BSU looks to the future
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There is a saying that goes – “when life closes a door, it opens a window”.
The talent of the Boise State men’s cross-country team has run circles around the competition for years. With the loss of some veteran experience, however, a new group of Broncos are preparing to carry on the torch.
Last year’s seniors, Forest Braden and Ty Axtman, dominated the long distance scene in the Western Athletic Conference, leaving big shoes to fill for this year’s runners.
Braden was a powerful force throughout his running career.
During the 2004-2005 season he earned All-American status by finishing 24th at the NCAA Championships and was named to the All-WAC first team after finishing third at the conference championships the season before.
Axtman was always a foot in front of the rest, since beginning his running career in high school. It was there that he was named cross-country and track and field MVP for three consecutive years and a two-time State champion in both the 800m and 1,600m.
Throughout his college career, Axtman was a three-time All-American at Spokane Community College from 2003-2004 and named to the All-WAC first team with the Broncos during the 2005-2006 season.
Despite the loss of both key members of the 2006 team moving on, a positive outlook remains for BSU cross-country team to continue running strong.
The 2007 season will be guided by Thomas Shanahan, the Broncos recently appointed coach. With ten years of coaching experience at Bishop Kelly High School the former Bronco runner looks forward to his new challenge.
“It’s an opportunity where I definitely want to give my all,” Shanahan said.
Shanahan has set high goals for the team and keeps a positive viewpoint on their ability to meet them.
“What impresses me the most is their tremendous work ethic,” Shanahan said. “They know that hard work is needed for success.”
Veteran leadership from senior Cody Eaton and junior Darren Strong will also help in guiding the talent of the new team.
“I’m really excited”, Eaton said. “We have a lot of potential.”
The fourth year runner hopes to make his last year, his most successful.
Eaton earned second-team All-WAC honors and finished 11th at the conference championships with an 8,000m time of 26:00.55 during the 2005-2006 season.
Strong has also had success with his running career as a Bronco. His top 800m time during the 2005-2006 indoor season was 2:03.62.
The fresh talent of sophomores Stanley Chebii, Cameron Lockard and Derek Wanders will also add to the team.
Chebii, a native of Kenya, returns for his second year with the team. In high school, he competed in the 1500m and 5,000m.
Lockard was a four-year letter winner in cross-country and track at Kootenai High School.
Wanders celebrated two district championships in the 800m run at Vallivue High School in Caldwell, in 2004 and 2005.
The blend of experienced running, fresh talent and dedication will compose the strength of this year’s team.
With goals to qualify as many people as possible for the regional meet, some for the NCAA meet and a top goal of being at the WAC championship – this team is ready to take the challenge.
TRACI HURLESS
Sports Writer