January 19th, 2008 - Eugene, Oregon – By:  Mark Rinker – www.otcelite.com

A select group of OTC Elite members got the new year started at the University of Washington Indoor Preview on January 19, 2008.  Team members Cack Ferrell, Will Leer and Sean O’Brien showcased exciting early season performances while representing their Oregon Track Club teammates in the first races of the Olympic Year.

2007 U.S. World Cross Country team member Cack Ferrell raced to fifth place in the women’s mile with a time of 4:43.12.  Ferrell doubled back later in the meet to win the women’s 3,000 meter run in dominating fashion running 9:13.58, winning the race by over 25 seconds.

The highlight for the men’s team was the mile run.  The OTC Elite claimed first and second overall with Will Leer claiming the victory in 3:59.83 and Sean O’Brien a close second in 4:00.18.  For Leer the race was a milestone in his career, marking his first time under the magical four minute barrier.  When asked about his performance an ecstatic Leer stated:  “When they finally announced the time I was excited, it was special.”

All three OTC Elite competitors achieved U.S. Indoor National Championship qualifying marks in each of their respective events.  Ferrell met the qualifying standards in both the women’s mile (4:46.14) and in the 3,000 meter run (9:28.00).  Both Leer and O’Brien met the qualifying standard in the men’s mile (4:01.20).  The U.S. Indoor National Championships are in Boston, Massachusetts on February 23rd-24th.

Results from this weekend’s meet can be found at http://www.gohuskies.com/.  Race footage and other commentary from the weekend’s meet can be found at www.otcelite.com.

The OTC Elite’s next competition will be in two weeks at the University of Washington Invitational in Seattle, Washington on February 1st and 2nd.

Contact:
Ross Krempley, OTC Elite Director/Assistant Coach
[email protected]