Lars Erik MaldePORTLAND, Ore. --- Head coach Rob Conner continues to stockpile talented incoming freshmen to the University of Portland cross country roster. The latest addition is Lars Erik Malde who signed a National Letter of Intent this week and will join the team this fall. A native of Hafrsfjord, Norway, Malde finished 16th at the European Under-20 Cross Country Championships in December and 10th in the European Under-20 5000-meter run this summer.
After matching a school record by finishing seventh at the 2008 NCAA Men’s Cross Country Championships, Conner adds to what he already considered the best recruiting class in school history. Malde joins Trevor Dunbar and Joash Osoro, considered two of the top incoming freshmen in the nation, as well as 18 other impressive newcomers.
“Lars is going to fit in well,” Conner said. “He is a very talented young long distance runner. He has only been training a short time and should improve rapidly in our training group. Academically he is also a great fit and is deciding between a math and physics major.”
Portland tied its best finish in school history at the 2008 NCAA Cross Country Championship meet by finishing seventh overall. Graduating senior David Kinsella set a school record by placing fourth individually, but Conner and the Pilots will return All-American Alfred Kipchumba, All-West Region honoree Tommy Betterbed and Matt Frerker, who was Portland’s fourth finisher at the meet.
“I do believe Lars will be able to step onto the varsity as a freshman and contribute this fall, as could Trevor Dunbar and Joash Osoro,” Conner added. “We could potentially field a very young team this fall as Kipchumba and Frerker will only be sophomores. The future of Pilot cross country has never looked better.”
Courtesy University of Portland
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