Cougar Athletics
30 NAIA National Championships
95 GSAC Championships
...and counting

THIS YEAR: Pole vaulter Chris Ernst is another among several freshmen who could make a splash on the conference level this year and evolve into an All-American competitor during his college career.

HIGH SCHOOL: Competed 4 seasons in track & field at Pinnacle High in Phoenix, Ariz. ... As a 2007 senior, was the Arizona state 4A-I champion in the pole vault with a career-best effort of 14’ 6” ... Also won the region crown ... Twice finished fifth in the pole vault in the state meet as a 2006 junior and 2005 sophomore ... Also lettered 1 season in swimming & diving, winning the district title in diving ... Played 1 season of football (wide receiver/defensive back).

PERSONAL: Born June 13, 1988, in Phoenix, Ariz. ... Parents are Brian and Pam Ernst ... Has 1 sister (Jessica, also a pole vaulter at Pinnacle) ... Is an Eagle Scout ... Has not declared a major ... Enjoys playing ping pong.

THIS YEAR: A promising thrower, freshman Karen Esslinger has the ability to become an excellent javelin thrower under the tutelage of Olympian and Cougar head coach Mike Barnett ... Has a background in other throws and may delve into them as well as her college career unfolds.

HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in 4 different sports at Saddleback Valley Christian High in San Juan Capistrano ... In track & field, set the school record in the discus, shot, and 200 meters ... Posted personal bests of 117’ in the discus, 98’ 11” in the hammer, and 121’ in the javelin ... Also lettered in basketball, softball and volleyball, a sport in which she helped lead the Warriors to the CIF finals.

PERSONAL: Born Jan 26, 1989, in Newport Beach, Calif. ... Parents are Stephen and Amy Esslinger ... Has 1 sister (Grace) ... Her mother ran track & field at USC and her father rowed at Cal and was a member of the U.S. national team ... In club track & field, was a USATF All-American in the javelin in both the intermediate girls and young women divisions ... Majoring in graphic design.

THIS YEAR: Six-time All-American, James Ferguson returns for the indoor season only, looking to contend for the NAIA titles in the shot put and 35-pound weight throw.

2007: Collected 4 All-American honors during the 2007 season in helping lead the Cougars to the NAIA indoor championship and a third place showing at the outdoor meet … Tallied 10 of the Cougars’ 83 points during the indoor championship meet on the strength of a pair of personal records with a third-place finish in the shot (57’ 6¼) and a fifth in the weight throw (55’ 9”) … At the NAIA Outdoor Championship Meet in Fresno, his final outdoor meet as a collegian, finished fourth in the shot (56’ 6”) and fifth in the hammer (175’ 1”) … Was the GSAC champion in the hammer (181’ 5”) and runner-up in the shot (54’ 4¾”) and discus (152’ 5”)

2006: Enjoyed a fine first season at Azusa Pacific capturing a pair of NAIA All-American honors in the shot and hammer ... Was fourth in the outdoor shot (53’ 5¾”) and hammer (187’ 6”) and seventh in the discus ... Won the GSAC title in the discus (156’ 9’”) ... Finished third in the GSAC shot ... Threw the hammer a personal-record 195’ 10” at the Occidental Invitational, the tenth best throw in program history.

JUNIOR COLLEGE: Was a key member of state power Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, Calif. … As a 2003 sophomore, finished tenth in the shot (48’ 1½”) at the state meet … As a 2002 freshman, finished seventh (50’ 6½”) in the Southern California regional meet … Had a personal best of 50’ 8½” in the prelims.

HIGH SCHOOL: Was a 4-year track & field standout at Rosemead (Calif.) High where as a 2001 senior he was named the school’s male athlete of the year … Was the CIF Southern Section champion in both the shot and discus … Had a best of 59’ 8¼” for the fifth best shot put among California preps that season … Led the Panthers to an undefeated Mission League championship season … Also lettered 3 seasons in football (offensive guard).

PERSONAL: Born April 28, 1983, in Pasadena, Calif. … Mother, Shirley Ferguson, is the director of the San Gabriel Valley Dental Society … Has 1 sister (Tanya) … His cousin, Bob Pyle, played football at Cal-Berkeley … Plays the guitar in the worship band at his church … Enjoys racing and working on cars.

FERGUSON BESTS at AZUSA PACIFIC
Year     Shot     Discus     Hammer     Weight
2006    53-5 3/4   156-9     195-10     55-5 
2007    57-6 1/4   159-9     184-9      55-9

THIS YEAR: A quality rookie, freshman Travis Fernandes gives the Cougars good depth in the distances and a promising future for the seasons to come … Figures to compete in the 800, 1000 and 1500.

CROSS COUNTRY: Ran in all 6 of Azusa Pacific’s meets during his 2007 freshman season, recording an 8K best of 26:22 to finish 20th (fourth Cougar) at the GSAC Championship Meet in Fresno … Gained valuable experience by running the NAIA regional (26:34) and national (28:25) championship meets.

HIGH SCHOOL: Ran 4 seasons of cross country and track & field for head coach Mike Wilson at Upland (Calif.) High ... Helped guide the Highlanders to a fifth-place finish at the 2006 state meet in Fresno, clocking a 5K time of 16:14 ... Ran a 15:59 in Upland’s fourth-place finish at the CIF Southern Section finals ... Earned All-Baseline League first team recognition during Upland’s league championship performance ... As a 2005 junior, was a member of Upland’s cross country team that finished seventh at the state meet ... Recorded personal high school bests of 4:24 (mile) and 15:19 (3 mile).

PERSONAL: Born Aug. 31, 1988, in Upland, Calif., to Azusa Pacific grads Val (general contractor) and Beth Fernandes ... His father was Azusa Pacific’s first-ever NAIA All-American first team honoree in soccer (1980) ... Has 1 sister (Marcella) ... His cousin, Melissa Leo, was a pole vaulter for Azusa Pacific women’s track & field in 2005 and 2006 ... Majoring in business.

THIS YEAR: An outstanding hurdler, junior Cliffton Gay teams with NAIA champion Matt Sparks, fellow transfer Chad Thomas, and decathlete David Pichler to give Azusa Pacific an unmatched set of hurdlers in the NAIA … Could push for All-America recognition in both hurdles but excels in the 400 hurdles.

KANSAS STATE: Spent the fall of 2006 at Kansas State but did not compete for the Wildcats … Left at semester break and did not compete during the 2007 spring.

JUNIOR COLLEGE: Competed 2 seasons at Central Arizona College as was a member of the Vaqueros’ 2005 and 2006 NJCAA championship teams … As a 2005 freshman recorded personal bests of 51.78 in the 400 hurdles and 14.2 in the 110 hurdles … Also ran a leg on Central Arizona’s 4x400 relay.

HIGH SCHOOL: Split his high school career between South Mountain High in Phoenix, Ariz., and Kenmore High in Akron, Ohio … As a 2004 senior, at South Mountain, won the Arizona 5A championships in both the 110-meter hurdles (14.48) and 300-meter hurdles (38.62) while also running the opening leg Jaguars’ state runner-up 4x100 relay (42.07) … Had a hand in 28 of the South Mountain’s 42 points and fifth-place finish … Spent 3 seasons at Kenmore High … As a 2003 junior was the Akron city champ in the 110 and 300 hurdles … Named Akron Beacon Journal All-City … Also lettered in football (defensive back) at both high schools.

PERSONAL: Born Aug. 12, 1985, in Akron, Ohio … Parents are Benjamin and Naomi Turman … Majoring in psychology.

THIS YEAR: One of 11 freshmen on Azusa Pacific’s 37-man roster, Colin Glasgow is a developing pole vaulter who could prove to be a diamond in rough as his collegiate career unfolds … Figures to be a factor in the GSAC meet and is looking to qualify for the NAIA championship meets.

HIGH SCHOOL: Competed in track & field for 3 seasons for head coach Jeff Herron at Lee’s Summit (Mo.) West High … Was a 2-time all-section, and 3-time all-district and all-conference honoree … Opened his prep career with a freshman-season best vault of 10’ 6”, moving to 12’ 6” as a sophomore, and 13’ 6” as a junior before setting a personal best vault of 14’ 6” during his 2007 senior season … Also lettered 1 season in football (receiver)

PERSONAL: Born Dec. 8, 1988, in Tupelo, Miss. … Parents are Scott and Sherilyn Glasgow … Has 2 sisters (Tiffany, Faith) … Has not declared a major but is interested in the graphic design field … Enjoys art and has won various art awards for his work.

THIS YEAR: Sophomore Stephanie Godfrey returns for her second season of track & field — ever … Is coming off a fine cross country season in which she emerged as a potential key distance runner for the track & field campaign ... Has the versatility to run a variety of distances, ranging from the steeplechase to the 10,000.

2007: In her first-ever track & field season, ran a variety of distant events as she developed a running base .. Scored 2 points for Azusa Pacific at the GSAC Championship Meet by finishing seventh in the steeplechase (12:54.81) … Posted other season bests of 5:20.44 (1500) and 20:05.30 (5000).

CROSS COUNTRY: In her first-ever cross country season, competed in 6 meets for the Cougars during the fall of 2007 … Recorded a 5K best of 19:33 at the Midwest Collegiate in Kenosha, Wis. … Helped the Cougars to the GSAC title by finishing as the team’s No. 5 runner with a 19:52 … Also competed in the NAIA regional (19:44) and national championship (19:58) meets.

HIGH SCHOOL: Did not compete in any sports during her 3-plus years at Faith Bible High in Aloha, Ore. ... Rather spent 5 years as a competitive swimmer for the West Hills Aquatic Team (USA swimming) where she excelled in the 100- and 200-yard breaststroke ... A knee injury ended her swimming career.

PERSONAL: Born Sept. 17, 1988, in Portland, Ore. … Her parents are Larry (electrical engineer) and Linda Godfrey ... Has 1 sister (Elizabeth) ... Her mother was a swimmer at Macomb Community College in Warren, Mich. ... Majoring in psychology.

YEAR    1500      3000    STEEPLE    5000
2007   5:20.44  12:35.10 12:54.81  20:05.30

THIS YEAR: Perhaps the NAIA’s premier multi-event athlete, senior Zora Golcevska is not only gunning for NAIA titles in both the heptathlon and pentathlon but she is also looking for school records in the process … A terrific hurdler and long jumper as well and could press for All-America recognition in those events as well … May prove to be a key for the Cougars in the relays as well.

2007: Garnered 4 NAIA All-America honors during her 2007 junior season, her first at Azusa Pacific … Was the NAIA runner-up in the heptathlon (4,938) and pentathlon (3,550) … Collected another pair of All-America honors in the high hurdles — 60 indoors (8.86) and 100 outdoors (14.53) … Set the school record in the 60-meter hurdles at 8.80 during the NAIA prelims … Also set the school record in the heptathlon, tallying 5,131 points during the Mt. SAC Relays to become only the third Cougar ever to eclipse 5,000 points and break Carmen Gage’s standard of 5,039 that had stood for 13 years … Tallied a season-best 3,550 points in the pentathlon at the NAIAs for the second-best score in school history … Was All-GSAC in 3 events, winning the 100-meter hurdles (14.65) while finishing second in the 200 (25.93) and third in the long jump (18-1½) … Recorded the third best long jump in Cougar history at 18-10¼ during the Mt. SAC Relays heptathlon.

JUNIOR COLLEGE: Competed 2 seasons for head coach Eric Baron at Santa Monica (Calif.) City College ... As a 2006 sophomore was the California junior college state runner-up in the 100-hurdles (14.20) ... Was sixth in the 200 (25.61) at the Southern California championships in Walnut, Calif. ... Won the Western States Conference championship in the 100 hurdles (14.56) ... As a 2005 freshman won the Western States long jump title (16’ 11”).

PERSONAL: Born March 26, 1978, in Bratislava, Slovakia ... Majoring in business with a minor in marketing ... Competed 5 years on the Slovakian national team, posting a long jump best of 20’ 3¾”.

GOLCEVSKA BESTS at AZUSA PACIFIC

YEAR   200   800    100HH    LJ      PENT  HEP
2007  25.61 2:22.83 13.99 18-10 1/4  3550  5131

THIS YEAR: One of 3 freshmen decathlete to join the Cougars this year, David Guzman is an excellent technician in many events who just needs time to gain experience and physically develop … Figures to become a national factor later in his career … Excels in the running events.

HIGH SCHOOL: Ran 3 seasons of track & field for head coach Tony Rodriguez at Tulare (Calif.) Western High … Picked up the decathlon as a 2007 senior and recorded a personal best of 5,505 points … Posted individual event bests of 11.53 (100m), 2:01.16 (800m), 137’ 4” (javelin) and 108’ 10” (discus) ... Also set the school record in the long jump at 20’ 1” … Led the Mustangs to 3 straight East Yosemite League championships … Also ran 2 seasons of cross country, clocking bests of 10:54 (2 miles), 16:45 (3 miles) and 17:03 (5K) … Was a member of 2 league championship squads.

PERSONAL: Born Aug. 16, 1989, in Tulare, Calif. … Parents are Pascasio and Luz … Has 1 sister (Celeste) … Majoring in athletic training … Enjoys bowling.

THIS YEAR: One of the leaders of the Cougar women, 4-time All-American Kjersti Housman is a strong runner who could figure prominently in relay races … If at full strength, could also help in the 400 or 800 meters.

2007: Recorded 3 NAIA All-America honors by running relay legs … Was a member of the Cougar 4x800 that finished fifth (9:13.02) at the NAIA Indoor Championships and third at the outdoor meet (9:06.81) … Garnered the other All-America honor on indoor distance medley relay (12:02.23) … Was hampered much of the season by a leg injury.

2006: Collected her first-ever NAIA All-America honor by running a leg on the NAIA indoor runner-up 4x400 relay that clocked a 3:50.69 ... Qualified for the NAIA finals in the 400 hurdles, finishing ninth with a 1:04.91 ... Also ran the third leg on the Cougars’ outdoor 4x400 that finished eighth at the NAIAs ... Recorded the eighth fastest 400 hurdles in program history with a 1:03.38 at the Steve Scott Invitational in late April ... At the GSAC championships in San Diego, finished sixth in the 400 (60.12), third in the 400 hurdles (65.66) and ran a leg on the GSAC champion 4x100 (48.99).

2005: Qualified for the NAIA Outdoor Championships in the 400 hurdles, advancing to the semifinals … Also qualified for the indoor championships in the pentathlon, finishing 14th with 2,820 points … At the GSAC Championships was second in the 400 hurdles (1:05.86) … Clocked the eighth best 400 hurdles race in Cougar history with a 1:04.04 at the Claremont Invitational.

CROSS COUNTRY: Came to Azusa Pacific as a quality hurdler but foot injuries forced her to give up the event on concentrate on distances … Joined the Cougar cross country squad for the 2006 season, appearing 6 meets, including the NAIA National championship meet where she was the Cougars’ No. 3 runner … Recorded a season 5K-best of 19:31 on the Woodward Course at the NAIA regional meet … Was unable to compete during the 2007 campaign because of recurring injury.

HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered 4 seasons in track and basketball (guard) at La Salle High of Pasadena, Calif. … Ran for coach Fred Riley and was a member of 4 straight Sunshine League championship teams … Set the school record in the 300 hurdles (45.85) and posted the No. 2 time in the 100 hurdles (16.40) … Also among La Salle’s all-time top 5 in the long jump (15’ 9”), triple jump (32’ 7¾”) and high jump (5’ 0”) … As a 2004 senior was second in the 300 hurdles at the CIF Southern Section finals (Division IV) and was third as a 2002 sophomore … Was also a key member of La Salle’s 2002 CIF championship team that went undefeated.

PERSONAL: Born Dec. 18, 1985, in Pasadena, Calif., to Kevin (real estate) and Lisa (therapist) Housman … Has 4 brothers (Nathan, Jason, Matt , Stephen) … Her dad was a 3-time all-conference football player at Occidental College and was the team MVP as a running back during his 1980 senior season (played against current Azusa Pacific women’s track coach Mike Barnett who was a linebacker on the 1979 and 1980 Cougar football teams) … Majoring in applied health and would like to go into the medical field … Took a missions trip to Thailand in the summer of 2004.

HOUSMAN BESTS AT AZUSA PACIFIC
Year   100   400    600     800    60HH    400IH    
2005    -     -      -    2:25.93  10.20  1:04.04
2006  13.53 60.12 1:35.91 2:22.24   9.9   1:03.38
2007    -     -   1:40.74 2:18.43    -        -

THIS YEAR: One of the key personnel in leading Azusa Pacific to the NAIA title last year, senior Megan Ilertsen returns for her final year to team with Ruth Wilhelm and give the Cougars a great 1-2 combination in the throws … Excels in the discus and hammer … Enters the season with the program’s all-time No. 5 mark in the discus (156’1 1”) and No. 6 in the hammer (168’ 8”) … Will also compete in the shot put.

2007: Captured her first 2 NAIA All-America honors and in rather grand fashion during the 2007 NAIA Outdoor Championship Meet in Fresno … Recorded personal bests in both discus and hammer, finishing second and fifth respectively … The effort in the discus clinched the Cougars’ national championship … Posted PRs of more than 8 feet in the discus and nearly 11 feet in the hammer during the NAIA championship meet … At the GSAC Championships finished fourth in both the hammer (153’ 1”) and the discus (144’ 10”) … Qualified for the NAIA Indoor Championship Meet in the 20-pound weight throw, finishing ninth (59’ 2¾”).

2006: Appeared in both the NAIA Indoor and Outdoor Championship Meets ... Did not advance to the finals of the weight (indoor), hammer (outdoor) or discus (outdoor) throws ... At the GSAC championships in San Diego, was fifth in the discus (season-best 147’ 5”) and eighth in the hammer (146’ 6”) ... Also posted a career best in the shot (38’ 1¼”) at the GSAC championships ... Threw the hammer a career-best 157’ 9” at the Occidental Invitational for the eighth best throw in school history.

2005: Displayed tremendous growth as a first-year collegian and by season’s end qualified for the NAIA Outdoor Championships in the discus, finishing 21st with a throw of 130’ 6” … At the GSAC Championships was fifth in the discus (129’ 5”) and sixth in the hammer (123’ 5”).

HIGH SCHOOL: Competed 4 seasons in track & field for coach John Turek at Troy High in Fullerton, Calif. … Was a 3-time team MVP and Freeway League champion in the discus and shot … As a 2003 junior, set the school record in the discus at 133’ 0”, fifth best in Orange County for the year … Was a 3-time CIF qualifier in the discus … Also earned 3 varsity letters in volleyball … As a 2004 senior, named team MVP and All-Freeway League first team as an outside hitter … Named Troy’s Athlete of the Year in 2004.

PERSONAL: Born Jan. 3, 1986, in Fullerton, Calif., … Parents are Dane (teacher) and Lynette (assistant principal) Ilertsen … Her dad, who is the baseball coach at Troy High, played baseball at Point Loma (member of the PLNU Hall of Fame) and in the San Diego Padres organization … Her grandfather Don Marshburn is the former chairman of the board of trustees for Azusa Pacific … Majoring in business administration.

ILERTSEN BESTS at AZUSA PACIFIC

Year   Shot   Discus  Javelin  Hammer  Weight
2005 33-9 1/2 138-11   122-8   137-4   39-1 1/4
2006 38-1 1/4 147-5    121-10  157-9   47-2 1/2
2007 41-1 1/2 156-6       -    168-8   50-2 3/4

THIS YEAR: A 6-time All-American, senior Whitney Jacobsmeyer returns for her final season at Azusa Pacific, competing only during the indoor campaign … A strong runner who figures to take her outdoor steeplechase experience and parlay it into success with the indoor 3000 … Should be a factor as well on the Cougar 4x800 and distance medley relays.

2007: Enjoyed a banner 2007 season, garnering 4 NAIA All-American honors, including 3 on relays — the indoor and outdoor 4x800 and the distance medley … At the NAIA Outdoor Championship Meet in Fresno, finished third in the steeplechase (11:00.70) for her other All-America honor … At the GSAC Championships won the steeplechase (11:57.38) for her second conference title.

2006: Collected her second All-American honors by finishing fourth in the steeplechase (11:13.52) at the NAIA Outdoor Championships in Fresno ... Also ran a leg on the Cougars’ 4x800 relay that finished eighth in the finals ... At the indoor championships, advanced to the 3000 finals, finishing ninth (10:36.95) ... At the GSAC Championship Meet in San Diego, scored in the steeplechase (11:18.0 – 2nd) and 5000 (18:17.50 – 5th).

2005: In her first season as a Cougar, earned All-American honors by finishing sixth in the steeplechase at the NAIA Outdoor Championships in Louisville, Ky., with the third fastest steeple in Cougar history, 11:04.85 … Qualified for the NAIA Indoors in the 3000 meters and advanced to the finals … Won the GSAC steeple crown (11:14.95). … Also ran the 5000 and clocked a season-best 18:00.7, the ninth best time in program history.

CROSS COUNTRY: Closed out a fine 3-year Cougar career in cross country by finishing 50th at the 2006 NAIA Championship Meet in Louisville, Ky. ... Was a 2-time All-American (only third Cougar ever to earn back-to-back honors) after finishing 25th at both the 2004 and 2005 NAIA Championship Meets in Louisville … Clocked an 18:20 at the 2005 national meet … Appeared in 18 career meets, recording a 5K best of 18:11 when she finished fourth at the 2004 NAIA regional meet in Fresno, Calif. … Was third at the 2004 GSACs, fifth at the 2005 meet and ninth in 2006.

JUNIOR COLLEGE: Spent the 2003 fall season running cross country at UC Santa Barbara, appearing in 4 meets for the eventual Big West champion Gauchos, running primarily on the “B” squad … Clocked a season-best 19:05 5K at the Riverside Invitational … Spent the 2004 spring season as a member of Diablo Valley Community College’s track & field squad … Was a 2-time state qualifier, finishing second in the steeplechase and sixth in the 5000 … Won the 10,000 and steeplechase at the 2004 NorCal Regional Championships … Had a best of 40:40 in the 10,000 and 18:59 in the 5000.

HIGH SCHOOL: Ran 4 seasons of track & field for coach Glen Dishman at Berean Christian High in Walnut Creek, Calif. … Was a 2-time state qualifier, including her 2003 senior season when she finished second in the steeplechase and sixth in the 5000 … Was the CIF NorCal champ in the steeplechase and 10,000 … Set school records in the 800 (2:31), 1600 (5:13), and 3200 (11:10) … In cross country, finished 12th in the state Division V meet with a 19:46 5K.

JACOBSMEYER BESTS AT AZUSA PACIFIC

YEAR    800     1500    Steeple    5000   
2005  2:22.60  4:49.22  11:04.85  18:00.7  
2006  2:23.88  4:53.43  18:17.50  11:11.90
2007     -     4:39.56  10:52.68     -

THIS YEAR: A high-impact newcomer, sophomore Jackline Kipwambok will not only push for All-America honors but also NAIA championship recognition in either the 5000 or 10,000 … Is quite versatile and could score in the 1500 or 3000 (indoor) as well … Teams with Canterbury, Richert and Reyes to give Azusa Pacific a strong corps of distance runners.

CROSS COUNTRY: Fashioned an outstanding 2007 campaign, her first at running cross country … Was the NAIA runner-up, finishing second to teammate Jaime Canterbury at the national championship meet by clocking a personal 5K best of 17:14, the second fastest cross … Was the GSAC (17:47) and NAIA regional (17:26) champion … Finished no lower than seventh in any of the 6 meets in which she competed.

JUNIOR COLLEGE: Ran one season of track & field at Cowley College in Arkansas City, Kan. ... As a 2007 freshman was the NJCAA runner-up in the steeplechase (11:22.00) to help lead the Lady Tigers to a third place finish at the national junior college championship meet in Coffeyville, Kan. ... Also anchored Cowley’s 4x800 to a fourth-place finish ... Was the Jayhawk Conference champion in the 1500, 5000 and 10,000 and was named the NJCAA Region VI women’s track MVP of the championship meet after winning the 1500 and 10,000 while anchoring the 4x800 to the region title as well ... Set the school records in the steeplechase, 1500, 3000, 5000, 10,000 and 4x800.

PERSONAL: Born Sept. 14, 1985, in Kapsabet, Kenya … Parents are Wilson (farmer) and Leah (farmer) Kipwambok ... Has 5 brothers (Steve, Nick, Dary, Evan, Obadiah) and 3 sisters (Nattali, Silas, Jennifer) ... Majoring in nursing with a minor in applied health.

THIS YEAR: A veteran of the Azusa Pacific program, senior Jenny Landis gives the Cougars quality depth in the mid-distances … Figures to also play a role in the relays.

2007: Competed in both the NAIA Indoor and Outdoor Championships meets as a member of the Cougar distance medley (indoor) and 4x400 (outdoor) relays … At the GSAC Championships in Fresno, finished sixth in 800 (2:24.98).

2006: Focused on the mid-distances distances as a 2006 sophomore, clocking season bests of 2:23.87 in the 800 meters and 5:00.03 in the 1500 meters ... Ran the opening leg on the Cougars’ 4x800 relay that finished eighth at the NAIA Outdoors in Fresno.

2005: Opened her collegiate career as a pentathlete during the 2005 indoor season before moving to the distances for the outdoor campaign ... Registered a career-best of 2:22.66 (800) and then a season-best of 5:21.71 (1500) in late-season meets.

CROSS COUNTRY: Has run 3 seasons for Azusa Pacific’s nationally-ranked cross country program … Competed in the 2006 NAIA championship meet … Recorded a personal 5K best of 20:44 at Carbon Canyon Regional Park to open her 2007 junior season.

HIGH SCHOOL: Ran 2 seasons of cross country and 3 seasons of track & field at Arcadia (Calif.) High … Was a 2-time all-league second team honoree in both track and cross country … Named the team’s most improved as a junior and most inspirational as a senior.

PERSONAL: Born June 26, 1986, in Monrovia, Calif. … Parents are Richard (business manager) and Denise (teacher) Landis … Has 2 brothers (Michael, David) … Majoring in English and philosophy.

LANDIS BESTS at AZUSA PACIFIC

Year    600     800      1500 
2005     -     2:22.66  5:21.71
2006     -     2:23.87  5:00.03
2007  1:45.27  2:18.53  4:57.84

THIS YEAR: A developing distance runner, sophomore Forrest Lewton has greatly benefited from a year of training with NAIA champion Aron Rono and now could emerge as an All-American … Strong runner who excels in the steeplechase … Can also run the 5000 and the indoor 3000.

2007: Came on strong toward the end of the season and earned a spot on the Cougars’ NAIA outdoor championship squad … Clocked a 9:38.63 in the NAIA steeplechase prelims … Recorded the seventh fastest steeplechase in program history with a 9:32.1 at the Claremont Invitational .. Finished seventh in the GSAC steeple.

CROSS COUNTRY: As a 2007 sophomore, ran his first season of cross country with Azusa Pacific … Was the Cougars’ No. 2 runner at the 2007 NAIA championship meet with a 26:28 time on the 8K course … Was also the Cougars’ No. 2 runner with a personal 8K record 25:35 at the 2007 Stanford Invitational where the Cougars clocked a team-time of 2:06.26, the fourth best team-time in program history … Competed for San Diego Christian College as a 2005 freshman, finishing 40th at the GSAC Championship Meet … Had to sit out the 2006 season.

HIGH SCHOOL: Ran 4 seasons of track & field and 2 of cross country at Whitehall (Mont.) High … As a 2004 senior, earned all-state honors in cross country after finishing 12th in the state championship meet … Later that year at the state track & field championship meet, finished fourth in the mile (4:31.1) and fifth in the 2-mile … Named the Trojans’ most valuable runner in both cross country and track & field … Also played 2 seasons of varsity basketball and as a senior helped lead Whitehall to the state tournament … Named the team’s defensive MVP … Graduated as the school valedictorian … Served as the junior class president.

PERSONAL: Born March 21, 1987, in San Diego, Calif. … Parents are John (taxidermist) and Dawn (real estate agent) Lewton … Majoring in business … Would like to start his own real estate agency some day … Enjoys rock climbing and skiing.

LEWTON BESTS at AZUSA PACIFIC

YEAR    1500     MILE     3000    STEEPLE
2007   4:04.69  4:30.77  8:52.47   9:32.1

THIS YEAR: A terrific athlete and key newcomer in the Cougars’ title pursuit, junior Anthony Logan has anchor-like speed for both the 4x100 and 4x400 relays … Will push for NAIA recognition in the 200 and 400 meters … Might run the 600 as well on the indoor circuit.

JUNIOR COLLEGE: Ran 2 seasons for head coach Jani Johnson at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, Calif. … As a 2006 freshman, won the Western State Conference championship titles in the 200 (21.73) and 400 (48.25) with personal-record efforts … At the Southern California championship meet, clocked a 49.76 to finish eighth in the finals of the 400 meters … As a 2007 sophomore clocked team bests of 22.01 (200), 48.53 (400) and 1:57.80 (800) before a season-ending injury shut him down in mid-April … Also went 22’ 6” in the long jump and 6’ 6” in the high jump … Played 1 season of basketball as a reserve point guard for the Cougars during his 2006 freshman season.

HIGH SCHOOL: Was a 3-sport standout at Bear River High in Grass Valley, Calif., earning varsity letters in basketball, track & field, and soccer … Was named Bear River High’s male athlete of the year as a 2005 senior … Was team MVP in both basketball and track & field … Earned all-league honors in basketball and was the league champ in the long jump … Holds the school record in the long jump and high jump.

PERSONAL: Born Oct. 30, 1987, in Pomona, Calif. … Parents are Tony (pastor) and Edith Logan … Has an older sister (Jacqueline) … Majoring in business and would someday like to own his own business … An excellent student, received academic scholarship coming out of Cuesta.

THIS YEAR: One of 2 vaulters on the team (Mandy Pohja is the other), junior Lisa Louie is an all-around terrific student-athlete who offers the Cougars veteran-like experience and leadership … Could push for All-GSAC recognition if able to put together a full season of training.

2007: Battled through an injury-plagued 2007 sophomore campaign in which she was forced to shut down by early April … Cleared a season-best 10-feet in the pole vault during the indoor season … Also ran the 60- (8.69) and 100-meters (14.05) to primarily work on her runway speed.

2006: Fashioned a fine 2006 collegiate rookie season in which she cleared her collegiate-best 10’ 6” in the pole vault during a meet at Point Loma Nazarene … Did not compete in the GSAC championships.

HIGH SCHOOL: Earned varsity letters in cross country, soccer and track & field during her 4-year career at North Medford High in Medford, Ore. … Was a 4-year member of a Black Tornado program that captured 4 straight Oregon High School Athletic Association district titles … As a 2004 junior set the school record in the pole vault at 10’ 10” which she used to qualify for Oregon state high school championship meet where she finished 12th (10’ 6”) … Finished ninth at the state meet as a 2005 senior (10’ 9”).

PERSONAL: Born Feb. 27, 1987, in Medford, Ore. … Parents are Jeff (surgeon) and Corry Louie … Has an older brother (Richard) and 2 sisters (April, who was a vaulter at GSAC member Westmont College, and Sarah).

THIS YEAR: Senior Caleb Lynch could possibly become the most decorated distance runner in Azusa Pacific history, thanks in part to an outstanding relay career … Is an 11-time NAIA All-American, 9 of which came in relays … Has run a leg on 3 straight NAIA outdoor 4x800 titlists … Figures to push for additional individual recognition in the 600, 800 and/or 1000.

2007: Captured 3 more NAIA All-Americas during his 2007 junior campaign, including 2 in the 4x800 (indoor and outdoor) … Ran the third leg on the Cougars’ distance medley and 4x800 (outdoor) relays that won the NAIA titles … Competed only in the prelims of the GSAC championship meet despite qualifying for the 800 finals.

2006: Collected 4 All-American honors as a 2006 sophomore ... Was a key figure in the Cougars capturing an unprecedented fourth straight NAIA outdoor 4x800 relay title ... Also ran legs on the Cougars’ All-American efforts in the outdoor 4x400, indoor 4x800 and the distance medley relay ... Teamed with Danny Reid, Kevin Lindsey and Tim Ramirez to finish third in the Penn Relays’ 4x800 with a school-record time of 7:23.85 ... Individually, qualified for the NAIA indoor 600 but did not advance to the finals ... Posted season bests of 1:52.33 (800), 1:19.75 (600), and 3:58.55 (1500) ... At the GSAC Championships finished seventh in the 800 and 17th in the 1500.

2005: Put together an outstanding first year at Azusa Pacific, capturing 4 All-American honors … In his first-ever NAIA championship event appearance was the runner-up in the 600 with a 1:19.92, then the third fastest in program history … Was fifth in the NAIA outdoor 800 … Also ran the third leg on Azusa Pacific’s 4x800 that won the NAIA outdoor title and was the indoor runner-up … Won the GSAC 800 with a career-best 1:51.53 (sixth best in school history).

CROSS COUNTRY: Competed in 24 meets during his 4-year Cougar cross country career, twice earning All-GSAC recognition (11th in 2004 and fourth in 2005) … Twice clocked a personal 8K best of 25:30, first at the 2004 Riverside Invitational and then at the 2005 NAIA national championship meet in Louisville, Ky., finishing 40th.

HIGH SCHOOL: Ran 4 seasons of varsity track & field and cross country at Washington High in Phoenix, Ariz. … Named top 100 high school cross country runners on the west coast in 2003 by DyStatCal.com … Won 3 cross country meets during his senior season … Finished 12th in the 2003 state 4A championship meet with a 16:47 5K result … Was eighth as a junior in 2002 state meet with a 16:06 … In track & field as a 2004 senior, ran one of the top prep 800 meters in the nation, winning the Arcadia Invitational with a 1:52.23, the second-fastest half mile in Arizona high school history … Was a 2-time state 800-meter champion, winning the title as a 2002 sophomore and again as a 2004 senior (1:52.62) while finishing second as a 2003 junior … Was a 3-time regional champion in the 1600 … Holds the Glendale district record in the 400 .

PERSONAL: Born Oct. 1, 1985, in Phoenix, Ariz., to John (pastor) and Stacey Lynch … Has 2 sisters (Amy, Carly) … His father was a standout baseball pitcher at Arizona State.

LYNCH BESTS AT AZUSA PACIFIC
YEAR   600       800     1000     1500
2005  1:19.84  1:51.53  2:28.60  4:06.61
2006  1:19.75  1:52.33     -     3:58.55
2007  1:21.10  1:51.15     -        -

THIS YEAR: A sleeper among the Cougar distance runners, freshman Victoria Martinez is trying to regain a base after her cross country season was cut short by injury … Has battled injuries over the past 18 months but has a history of great times from her prep career … Could develop into a key contributor in the Cougars’ NAIA championships plans … Figures to run the 800, 1000 and 1500.

CROSS COUNTRY: Appeared in Azusa Pacific’s first 2 meets of the 2007 season before shutting down because of injury … Posted a 5K best of 19:47 at the Midwest Collegiate in Kenosha, Wis.

HIGH SCHOOL: Was a 2-sport standout at Granite Hills High in Apple Valley, Calif. ... Was a 3-time All-Desert Sky League honoree in track & field and a 2-time All-CIF pick in soccer ... As a freshman, finished fourth in the CIF cross country finals and was eighth as a junior ... In track, was league champion in the 1600 and 3200 as a freshman ... Recorded bests of 5:07.67 (1600) ... Also ran an 18:49 in a cross country meet at Mt. SAC ... Missed all of her senior season with torn knee ligaments ... In soccer, led Granite Hills to the CIF Division V championship as a junior.

PERSONAL: Born Aug. 28, 1989, in Victorville, Calif. … Parents are James and Tracey Martinez ... Has a younger sister (Meghan) ... Majoring in athletic training.

THIS YEAR: The third Cougar in what is becoming a pipeline from Gunnison (Colo.) High School, freshman Scott Murtaugh is an impact newcomer who should press to qualify for the NAIA championship meets in the high hurdles … Is also a standout in the intermediates … Should enjoy a career progression similar to fellow Gunnison alum Matt Sparks.

HIGH SCHOOL: Was a 4-year track standout at Gunnison High where he competed for head coach Bob Howard, who also coached current Cougars Jason Zichterman and Matt Sparks … As a 2007 senior was the Colorado state 3A runner-up in both the 110 (14.93) and 300 (career-best 40.01) hurdles, tallying 18 of the Cowboys’ 34 points at the state meet in Pueblo, Colo. … Posted a career best of 14.91 in the high hurdles … Qualified for the state meet as a 2006 junior but did not advance to the finals … As a 2005 sophomore ran a leg on the Cowboys’ 4x200 relay that won the state 3A crown with a 1:32.51 … Earned All-Western Slope Conference honors in the both hurdles … Also ran 3 seasons of cross country.

PERSONAL: Born Jan. 29, 1989 in Gunnison, Colo. … Parents are Tom (U.S. Forrest Service) and Kristi (teacher) Murtaugh … Has 1 sister (Katy) … Majoring in communication … Enjoys skiing rafting, camping and tennis.

THIS YEAR: An outstanding athlete with potential to become an NAIA champion someday, sophomore Tiffeny Parker returns to her Southern California roots to bolster an already strong Azusa Pacific women’s team … Joins Zora Golcevsky to give the Cougars an outstanding combo in the multi-events … Excels in the hurdles and long jump … May also compete in the triple jump.

NEW MEXICO: Out of high school, signed a letter of intent with the University of New Mexico where she competed for her 2007 freshman season … Posted season-bests of 8.99 (60 hurdles), 37’ 11¾” (triple jump), 17’ 9¾ (long jump), 4’ 9” (high jump), 27.62 (200) and 3,037 (pentathlon).

HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered 4 seasons in track & field for head coach Chris Drescher at Rancho Verde High in Moreno Valley, Calif. … As a 2006 senior set the school record in the 100 hurdles (14.81) and triple jump (38’ 7”) and established the second-best mark in school history in the 300 hurdles (47.3) and long jump (17’ 11”) … Advanced to the CIF finals in the 100 hurdles (15.13/5th), triple jump (36’ 1½”/8th) and 4x100 (46.21/3rd) … At the Inland Empire Championships, won the 100 hurdles (15.2), triple jump (37’ 6½”) and long jump (17’ 11”) ... As a 2005 junior, qualified for CIF final in 4 different events … Competed at the 2005 Mobile (Ala.) Challenge of Champions.

PERSONAL: Born June 8, 1988, in Moreno Valley, Calif. … Parents are Ronald and Delores Parker … Has 2 older sisters (Teasha, Erica) and a younger brother (Ronald) … Majoring in business … Wants to get into the fashion/design industry … Also served as student body president as a senior at Rancho Verde.

THIS YEAR: Much like his teammate Forrest Lewton, John Pfeil is looking for a breakthrough season on the track … Has shown signs of great promise and could team with other up-and-coming Cougars as significant contributors in the distance program … Expected to compete in any race from the 800 to the 3000, but will be a key figure on the Cougars’ 4x800 … Looking to make the NAIA finals in the 800.

2007: Competed in both the NAIA indoor and outdoor championship meets during his 2007 sophomore season, running legs during the prelims of the 4x800 relay which the Cougars won on the outdoor circuit and finished third at indoors … At the GSAC championships, finished fifth in the 800 (1:58.11) … Clocked a season-best 1:56.53 in the GSAC 800 prelims.

2006: In his first track season as a Cougar, came on toward the end of the season, setting up a strong cross country campaign in the fall … Recorded a lifetime best of 1:55.28 in the 800 at the Oxy Invitational .. A week earlier ran a 3:59.01 in the 1500 at the Claremont Classic … On the strength of those efforts, earned a spot on the roster for the NAIA Outdoor Championship Meet, running the opening leg during the prelim of the 4x800 (the Cougars eventually won the NAIA title) … At the GSAC Championships, competed in the 800 (1:58.99), 5000 (16:01.78) and the steeplechase (10:01.2h), finishing fifth in the steeple.

CROSS COUNTRY: Has appeared in 14 meets over the past 3 seasons on the Azusa Pacific men’s cross country team … Has 8K lifetime best of 25:56 which he recorded at the 2007 NAIA Regional Championship Meet at Woodward Park in Fresno, Calif. … Was the Cougars’ No. 2 runner in 3 of 6 meets during the 2007 season … Narrowly missed All-GSAC recognition, finishing 16th with a 26:14 … Competed in his first-ever NAIA Championship Meet in 2007, registering a 26:34 to finishing 141st.

HIGH SCHOOL: Ran 3 seasons of cross country and 1 season of track & field, and lettered 3 seasons in soccer and 4 in volleyball at Tri-City Christian High in Vista, Calif. … Named All-CIF as a 2002 sophomore, 2003 junior and 2004 senior for cross country … Helped lead his team to the CIF championship as a sophomore and senior and a runner-up finish as a junior … Set the school record in the 3200 (16:24) as a senior … In volleyball, received the coaches award as a junior and senior as well as named All-Coastal Conference as a 2004 senior and athlete of the year … Named MVP and all-league as a 2004 senior in soccer.

PERSONAL: Born on June 22, 1987, in San Diego, Calif., to Jim and Carol Pfeil … Has 1 brother (Kevin) and 2 sisters (Kelly, Katie) … Majoring in business … Enjoys extreme sports, film-making and photography.

PFEIL BESTS at AZUSA PACIFIC

YEAR     800      1500      Mile     Steeple      5000
2006   1:55.28   3:59.01  4:31.20    10:01.2    16:01.78
2007   1:56.53   4:02.56  4:30.77       -           -

THIS YEAR: One of the top collegiate decathletes in the country, senior David Pichler is hoping to close his Cougar career with his first-ever NAIA titles in the heptathlon (indoor) and decathlon (outdoor) while qualifying for the U.S. Championship Meet … Will also push for All-America recognition in the high hurdles … Is a key in the Cougars’ pursuit of team national championships … Is a 4-time All-American.

2007: As a 2007 junior finished third at the NAIA championship meets in both the heptathlon (indoor) and decathlon (outdoor) after being in the lead late in both events … Also qualified for both national championship meets in the high hurdles but did not advance to the finals … At the GSAC Championships in Fresno, finished fourth in the 110 hurdles and fifth in the 400 hurdles.

2006: As a 2006 sophomore, finished fifth in the NAIA decathlon with 6,680 points … Advanced to the finals of the 110 hurdles, finishing eighth with a 14.66 … Was seventh in the pentathlon (3,478) at the NAIA indoors … Captured his first-ever GSAC title by taking the 110 hurdles with a 14.57 … At the same meet, finished fifth in the high jump, sixth in the pole vault, and third in the long jump.

2005: Put together an outstanding second half of his 2005 freshman campaign, finishing the season as the U.S. junior national runner-up in the decathlon, tallying a career-best 6,966 points (just 76 points behind winner Michael Bingham of Wake Forest) … Qualified for the Junior Pan American Games in Windsor, Canada, where he finished fifth with 6,362 points … Qualified for the NAIA outdoor meet in the 110 hurdles (advancing to the semis with a 14.54) and the decathlon, finishing fifth with 6,556 points to collect his first-ever All-America honor … Qualified for the 60-meter hurdles at the indoor championships but did not get out of the prelims … At the GSAC Championships was second in the 110 hurdles (14.90), fifth in the pole vault and seventh in the shot put, scoring 15 points for Azusa Pacific, which captured its seventh straight GSAC title.

HIGH SCHOOL: Was a 3-sport standout at Yelm (Wash.) High which also produced former Cougar and NAIA decathlon champ Chris Carlson … Advanced to the Washington state high school finals in the 110 and 300 hurdles in both 2003 and 2004 … Had prep career bests of 14.61 (110 hurdles) and 39.76 (300 hurdles), both recorded at the 2004 state meet … Did not compete in the decathlon as a senior but as a 2003 junior ranked among the top 10 juniors in the United States with a score of 5,694 points … Was a 4-year standout in wrestling, advancing to the state quarterfinals in 2004 … Also played 3 seasons of football, earning All Pac-9 Conference honors as a running back.

PERSONAL: Born April 3, 1986, in Tacoma, Wash. … Parents are Daniel (general contractor) and Anna (clerk) Pichler … Majoring in business.

PICHLER BESTS AT AZUSA PACIFIC

Year  100    400   110HH    LJ    Javelin  Discus Decca
2005 11.12  50.08  14.79  21-11    148-0    138-6  6966
2006 11.37  50.98  14.57  21-5 1/4 135-11   126-1  6680
2007 11.35  50.90  14.84  21-1 1/4 143-7    134-9  6527

THIS YEAR: One of the team leaders, fourth-year junior Mandy Pohja is seeking her third NAIA meet berth in the pole vault and her first-ever All-America honor … Will also press to successfully defend her GSAC title.

2007: Qualified for both the NAIA indoor and outdoor championship meets in the pole vault … Finished eighth at the indoor meet (10’ 11¾”) and 12th at the outdoor meet (11’ 3¾”) … Won her first-ever GSAC title with a vault of 11’ 7” the fifth best vault in Azusa Pacific history.

2006: Enjoyed a fine 2006 redshirt freshman season in which she cleared a season-best 11’ 5¾” at the NAIA Indoor Championship Meet, narrowly missing All-America honors ... Came back during the outdoor season to go 10’ 11¾” in the final regular-season meet at Claremont ... Was sixth at the GSAC championships (10’ 4”).

2005: Redshirted her first season at Azusa Pacific while recovering from an injury.

HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Colorado state power Sterling (Colo.) High … Was a 3-time all-state honoree in the pole vault, finishing third at the 4A state meet as a 2002 sophomore, 2003 junior and again as a 2004 senior … Had a personal high school best of 10’ 6” … Was also an outstanding gymnast on the high school level and led Sterling to back-to-back state 4A championships as a junior and senior … Finished seventh at the state meet in the all-around performance as a senior and eighth as a junior.

PERSONAL: Born Aug. 21, 1985, in Colorado Springs, Colo. ... Parents are Dan Pohja and Chris Gentry ... Has 5 older brothers … Majoring in communication and marketing … Would like to get into event planning after graduation … Performed an internship with the Los Angeles Dodgers during the summer of 2006 … Enjoys hiking.

POHJA BESTS at AZUSA PACIFIC
Year    Pole Vault
2006    11-5 3/4