The University of Portland has won the men’s championship 22 consecutive years, the longest streak in any sport in WCC history. Portland runners have won the men’s individual crown each of those years and have swept the top five positions eight times, including five straight years from 1994 to 1999. San Diego’s Antonio Lopez snapped the Pilot’s stronghold on the top spots in the men’s field by finishing second in last year’s race, the highest finish by a non-Portland runner since 1989.

At this year’s race, look for Santa Clara and San Diego to make a run for the coveted individual title. The Bronco’s Thomas Chapman and the Torero’s Lopez are the only non-Portland runners to record top ten times this year. The Pilot’s Joe Driscoll holds the fastest time this season with an 8k time of 24:27.7 set at the Roy Griak Invitational.

The women’s race has also been a Portland dominated event, with the Pilots winning 12 of the last 16 championships, including the past five. Saint Mary’s, Gonzaga and former member US International are the only other teams to claim the women’s title. Gonzaga placed four of the top seven runners to win the championship in 1995, the last time Portland did not win the race. Saint Mary’s last won the event in 1990, narrowly defeating the Pilots 55-59.

In 2001, get ready for an infusion of new talent to hit the course, with Loyola Marymount, Saint Mary’s and Santa Clara boasting top-ten WCC runners at this year’s race. The Lion’s Edit Pakay holds the top time in the WCC this season in the 5k with 18:29.3 on the clock. The Gaels’ Allegra Porter is fifth with a time of 18:50.0, while the Bronco’s Jenny Smokey takes the ninth spot at 19:01.9.

Cross Country Championships

October 27, 2001

Crystal Springs Course

Belmont, California