Head Coach:
Forest Braden (3rd Year)

Last Year:

7th Pac-12

6th West Region

No NCAA

 

Probable Top Five:

SR Lane Werley (3:44 1500m; 8:13 3k; 13:53 5k; 25th NCAA XC '12)

SO Ferdinand Edman (3:46 1500m; 8:10 3k; 13:56 5k)

SR Daniel Herrera (3:41 1500m; 8:08 3k; 13:52 5k; 23rd Pac-12 XC '13)

SO Michael McCabe (8:21 3k; 14:07 5k; 29:45 10k)

JR Nick Hartle (1:47 800m; 3:45 1500m; 14th Pac-12 XC '13; 27th West Region '13)

 

Impact Freshman/Recruits:

Sahm Bazargann - Oak Park, CA (1:53 800m; 4:13 Mile; 9th CIF DIII XC '13)

Scott Edwards - Scotts Valley, CA (4:12 1600m)

Joshua Wilson - South Pasadena, CA (9:18 3200m)

 

Analysis:
Despite all the rumors swirling around Forest Braden leaving the warm air of Southern California for parts that are less warm, Coach Braden is still at the helm of the Bruins.

And with the crew he has coming back, he is no doubt fine with staying in Los Angeles.

Gone is tall Dustin Fay, a top scorer for Braden last year, but back is even taller( 6-5) and even a little better, Lane Werley. Werley popped a corker at NCAAs in 2012 with a 25th place. It is doubtful that anyone, other than Werley and Braden, saw that coming. Daniel Herrera and Ferdinand Edman also have sub 14 minute 5k’s and excellent finishing speed (Herrera has run 3:41), so that is a very solid three.

Even though Braden recruited well, it is difficult to imagine any of his freshman breaking into this top five. Sophomore Michael McCabe had a very good track season with a 14:07 5k and 29:45 10k PR’s and should be good for a 4th spot. Top 800m and 1500m runner Nick Hartle proved he can mix it up over 10k as well with a 27th in the West Regional last year.

The West Region is brutal and the Bruins didn’t get to Terre Haute last year. If the bulk of the team can keep a close eye on their very tall leader it should be different for Braden and his crew this year. Braden has proven to be a good motivator, and even with the talent he has coming back, he won’t be able to challenge for a title in the monster Pac-12 conference. However, they should pick up enough points to get to Indiana and make some noise at the NCAA Championships.

#12 Iowa State Women
#13 Washington Men