North Central runner Tanner Anderson and Mt. Spokane’s John Dressel make college decisions

The Tanner Anderson/John Dressel rivalry could continue in college.

More specifically it could move on to the Pac-12 Conference.

Anderson, a North Central senior, is awaiting his letter of intent to sign. He gave Oregon an oral commitment last week.

Mt. Spokane’s Dressel, who made an oral commitment last fall, made it official by signing with reigning NCAA champ Colorado on Wednesday.

Anderson is the first NC runner to go to Oregon.

For Anderson, the choice was between Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin, where his friend and former NC teammate Kai Wilmot is redshirting this year.

Anderson will leave NC as arguably one of the tradition-rich school’s most decorated runners. He defended his 3A individual championship last fall while leading the Indians to a ninth straight state title.

“He’s got real room for growth,” NC coach Jon Knight said. “I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him. If he can keep progressing – and he’s in a good system down there – they obviously know what they’re doing.”

Oregon’s rich running tradition was certainly alluring to Anderson.

“When I was down there I felt good about the trip, and the team atmosphere and all they had to offer,” Anderson said. “I like the training style they have and the options that they have for training.”

Of the prospect of lining up against Dressel in cross country and track in college, Anderson said, “It will be fun.”

Anderson isn’t sure if he’ll redshirt right away or be given the chance to earn a spot on the cross country team.

“If I’m ready and can contribute they’ll probably take the redshirt away,” Anderson said. “I’d like to race right away. I’d like to contribute as much as I can and get a shot at an NCAA title.”

Beyond that, Anderson said he won’t have any other specific goals until he arrives in Eugene, and gets a lay of the land.

“He’s left a mark at North Central both as a team leader and a runner,” Knight said.

Oregon is a good fit in terms of Anderson’s academic goals too. He wants to major in business and has a particular liking of the school’s major benefactor – Nike.

“It’s kind of his dream to work for Nike in some capacity,” Knight said.

Knight also said that both Anderson and Dressel have a lot in front of them and their prep rivalry should be left at home.

“At this point the rivalry can go on the back burner and I hope that both can transition into college,” Knight said.