Mt. Spokane runner John Dressel selects Colorado

John Dressel, one of the top high school cross country runners in the nation, is headed to one of the top collegiate programs in the nation.

The Mt. Spokane senior signed a letter of intent to attend the University of Colorado, which captured a second straight NCAA Division I championship two weeks ago.

Dressel picked Colorado from a group that included Gonzaga, Oregon and Stanford.

“I felt comfortable on the campus,” Dressel said. “I like the guys on the team. They’re like brothers. They’re a family. It’s going to be a challenge, but I think I’ll do well.”

Dressel was impressed with Colorado’s history. The Buffaloes have won five NCAA championships under coach Mark Wetmore, who comes off as the grandfatherly type.

Wetmore also coaches professional runners, which was an attraction to Dressel.

“I want to see how long I can run,” Dressel said. “I want to see what my full potential is before I get old and won’t be at that level anymore.”

Dressel’s cross country season didn’t end at the State 3A meet, where he finished runner-up to Tanner Anderson of North Central. Dressel will compete Saturday at the Foot Locker West Regional in Walnut, California, where he finished second last year.

The top 10 finishers at regional qualify for the national meet a week later. Dressel finished second in the nation last year.

• Foot Locker isn’t the only big race this weekend. The Nike Cross Nationals meet is Saturday in Portland at the Glendoveer Golf Course.

The Nike race is different from Foot Locker because it is team-based.

NC’s boys will be in the mix. The Indians won the national title in 2008. Their worst finish in seven trips is eighth.

NC is ranked in the top 10 by the leading cross country websites – Dyestat and MileSplit.

Anderson will challenge for the national title. Joining Anderson are teammates Andrew Vandine, Justin Jane, Sam Sjoberg, Jacob Christner, Hank Knight and Gabe Meek.

Last year, Kai Wilmot of NC won the race and Anderson was third.

Scott Kopczynski of East Valley also will compete.

NC won the regional team title Nov. 15 in Boise. There are nine regional meets, with the top two teams and top five individuals earning automatic berths. Nike flies the teams and individuals in on Thursday and puts them up at the Embassy Suites in Portland with all costs covered.

The Coeur d’Alene girls, who captured a third straight state title last month, also will compete. Running under the name Pantalones Rapidos, CdA is led by Kara Story, Krista Story, Josie Brown, Caitlin Conway, Kaitlyn Gunnerson, Riley Fowler and Merceydes Smith. They finished second at regionals.

The national meet will be webcast at www.NikeCrossNationals.com beginning at 9:30.