Filmed on 1/30/08 - Eugene, OR - Frank Gagliano talks about this weekend's University of Washingon Indoor meet expectations and the new additions to the OTC Elite team (Kevin Hicks and Bolota Asmerom).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 30, 2008
OTC Elite Brings Star Power to Distance Races At UW Invitational This Weekend

Eugene, Oregon – This weekend, at the University of Washington, the majority of the Oregon Track Club Elite will be opening their seasons. Returning to the venue where three athletes have already met U.S. Indoor Championship qualifying times two weekends ago, the team will be looking to qualify more distance runners. The two-day UW Invite will provide top-flight competition as the team looks towards U.S. Indoors.

OTC will kick off the meet with a strong contingent in the 5,000 on Friday night. Sean Graham (8th at ’07 U.S. Outdoor 5000), John Jefferson (8th at ’07 U.S. Outdoor 1500), Max King (8th at ’07 U.S. Outdoor Steeplechase), Louie Luchini, Luke Meyer, Don Sage and new OTC Elite team member Bolota Asmerom (6th at ’07 U.S. Outdoor 5000) will all race. The goal for the race is to meet the 14:07 qualifying standard for the 3000 at the U.S. Indoors, as the 5000 is not contested.

Following the 5,000, OTC Elite will have a little fun running the Distance Medley Relay. 1500 meter specialist Sean O’Brien will lead off with the 1200 meter leg. He will pass the baton to former University of Oregon stand-out Matt Scherer in the 400. Taking the stick from Scherer will be Brandon Shaw on the 800 meter leg who will hand off to sub-four minute miler Will Leer to round out the race with the 1600.

On Saturday, 7th place finisher at the ’07 U.S. Indoor Championships, Courtney Jaworski, will be looking to qualify once again in the mile. Later in the day, the men’s 800 will feature Will Leer, Sean O’Brien, Matt Scherer and ’05 U.S. Indoor 800 meter champion Kevin Hicks. Former U.S. Indoor and Outdoor National Champion Nicole Teter will debut in the women’s 800. In the women’s 3,000, ’07 U.S. World Cross Country team member Cack Ferrell will be looking to run a personal best in a tune-up race before the U.S. Cross Country Nationals on February 16th in San Diego, California.

At the conclusion of both days of competition results will be available on the University of Washington web site at: www.gohuskies.com. Results, video of races, and interviews will also be available at: www.OTCelite.com.

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