Five Join SOU Track/XC
Five individuals have signed national letters of intent to join the Southern Oregon cross country and track and field programs.
SOU head coach Brent Ericksen announced the signings of Dennis Olstedt (Lane Community College), Michael Ruppert (Douglas High School), David Guzman (College of the Sequioas), Laurie Stoutenburg (Crater High School/University of Oregon) and Justine Lyon (Eagle Point High School/Corban College).
Olstedt and Guzman will both compete in the hurdles for the Raiders. Olstedt finished second in the 400 hurdles and third in the 110 hurdles at this past year’s conference championships. Olstedt’s personal best in the 400 hurdles in 54.01 and in the 110 hurdles is 15.09. Guzman qualified for the Northern California Junior College finals this past year in the 400 hurdles with a time of 55.96.
Ruppert gives the Raiders another individual in the field events. Ruppert finished second in the discus at the Oregon 4A State Championships with a throw of 150-11. Ruppert was coached by SOU track and field alum Barrett Smith.
“It’s great to add a couple more for the men’s hurdles,” Ericksen said. “It was a real area of weakness for us last year and now it could be one of our strengths. Michael (Ruppert) will really impact our throws. It will be fun to see how well he picks up the hammer event for us. I especially like the fact he has the potential to do very well in all three throws.”
Stoutenburg placed eighth in the Oregon 5A State Championships two years ago and helped the Comets win the state’s team title. Stoutenburg red-shirted last year at Oregon.
Lyon will give the Raiders added depth at the distance events on the women’s side.
“The women’s team will certainly benefit from the addition of two more distance runners,” Ericksen said. “We now have 10 runners on the cross country team and eight of those will be freshmen.”