Athletes

Tom Burkwist, 1967-68

Tom Burkwist (d) was a 1967-68 Spokane Falls cross country and track athlete from Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane. With a third-place finish, Tom led the SFCC men’s cross country team to the WAACC title in 1967 under Coach Hank Coplen. He also won the 1968 WAACC mile championships in track with an outstanding meet record time of 4:10.5. His time of 3:51.6c in the 1500 meters is still one of the top marks in CCS history. After leaving Spokane, Tom continued his outstanding collegiate running career at the University of Idaho.

Phil Burkwist, 1969-71

Phil Burkwist was another cross country and track athlete from Lewis and Clark High School who ran for Coach Mike Keller at Spokane Falls. He finished third in the 1969 WAACC cross country championships and in 1970 he won the WAACC cross country race (17:52) while leading SFCC to its second straight team title. Phil won both the mile (4:08.7) and 2 mile (9:10.2) track titles in both 1970 and 1971 to earn five individual WAACC championships in his career at SFCC. His best times of 3:50.3c in the 1,500 meters, 14:26.3 in the 5,000 and 31:38.0 in the 10,000 are in the top 20 all-time at CCS. In 1970 Phil capped off his success at Spokane by being named the NJCAA Track Athlete of the Year. Phil continued his great running career at Washington State University.

John Lopez, 1969-71

John Lopez was a cross country and track athlete from Burlington-Edison High School who ran for Coach Mike Keller at Spokane Falls, finishing second in the 1969 WAACC cross country championships and leading his team to the state title. In 1970 John came back to again to finish second in the WAACC cross country championships, losing only to Phil Burkwist and helping the Spartans to a second straight team title. John also earned valuable points in the WAACC track and field meet in the mile and 2 mile, helping Spokane win two straight WAACC track titles in both 1970 and 1971. John went to Boise State University as a track athlete and then became a successful high school coach and teacher in Idaho.

Steve Wilson, 1971-74

Steve Wilson was one of Coach John Buck’s first distance recruits, coming to Spokane Community College from Bend High School in Oregon. Steve finished sixth in the 1972 NWAACC cross country championships as he helped SCC to its first team title. He came back in his sophomore year (1973) to finish third behind only the two great runners in Lucas Oloo and Rick Whitaker, and led SCC to its second straight title. Steve was great on the track as well as he led SCC to two straight NWAACC team titles. His PRs of 14:50.2 in the 5,000 meters and 3:54.3 in the 1,500 are outstanding times on the all-time record list at CCS and he went on to run at the University of Utah.

Kurt Beckman, 1971-73

Kurt Beckman was one of the first and one of the best distance runners at SCC in the first two years of the cross country program. Kurt was recruited from Columbia High School in Richland where he was coached by Max Jensen. Beckman won the 1972 NWAACC cross country title with a time of 20:19, leading SCC to its first team crown. He was also outstanding in track as he won the 1974 NWAACC 3 mile championship with a time of 13:49.4 and SCC won its second of 16 straight NWAACC team titles. His best times of 14:15.1c in the 5,000 and 30:03.6c in the 10,000 are still ranked in the top two all-time marks at CCS. He was an outstanding student as well and went on to run cross country and track at Washington State University where he gained All-American honors.

Bryan Geissler, 1973-75

Bryan Geissler was a steady and consistent SCC distance runner for Coach John Buck. He finished fourth in the 1973 NWAACC cross country championships as SCC took seven straight places behind Lucas Oloo of SFCC to win its second straight team title with an outstanding score of 20 points. He came back to finish seventh in the 1974 NWAACC cross country championships as SCC won its third straight title with an all-time team scoring record of 16 points. Bryan was outstanding in track as well where he ran a PR of 14:41.2 in the 5,000 meters and won the 1975 NWAACC 3 mile championship in 14:12.5. He ran for the University of Oklahoma before going to Gonzaga University where he earned his law degree.

Lucas Oloo, 1973-74

Hall of Fame Cross Country Runner Lucas Oloo was a world class cross country and track athlete from Uganda for Coach Mike Keller at SFCC. Lucas won the 1973 individual cross country title (18:48) over a great field of Spokane Community College runners to help SFCC to a second-place trophy. In the 1973 NWAACC track and field championships he won all three distance events in a true display of his endurance – the mile (4:14.0), 2 mile (9:02.2) and 3 mile (14:00.9) to help SFCC to a second-place trophy. His time of 3:45.3c in the 1,500 is the all-time school best and his 14:30.1 in the 5,000 is still in the top ten at CCS. He went on to Oregon State University where he became an outstanding Pac-10 cross country and track athlete.

Rick Whitaker, 1973-75

Rick Whitaker was an outstanding cross country and track athlete at Spokane Community College and a key member of four championship SCC teams in 1973 and 1974. Rick was recruited by Coach John Buck from Mead High School where he ran for Coach Duane Hartman. He took second place in the NWAACC cross country championships in his freshman year and then won the 1974 title with a time of 19:46 as a sophomore. The 1974 cross country team set an all-time team scoring record of 16 points (15 is perfect) in winning the NWAACC championship for the third straight year. His best time of 14:28.0c in the 5,000 helped SCC win two straight NWAACC track championships. Whitaker went on to become an outstanding runner at the University of Utah.

Tom Larson, 1973-75

Tom Larson was another fine distance runner who was recruited to Spokane by Coach John Buck from Madison High School in Portland. Tom ran cross country at SCC for Coach Buck as a freshman and then Coach Max Jensen as a sophomore. He finished sixth in the NWAACC championships in 1974 as his SCC team won a third straight NWAACC title. Tom came back in his sophomore year to win the 1975 NWAACC cross country title with a time of 21:53 as SCC won a third straight team title. He was accomplished in track as well as he won the 1976 NWAACC mile in 4:10.13. He continued his education at the University of Portland where he received an engineering degree.

Jim Hennessey, 1974-76

Jim Hennessy Jim Hennessey was another top distance runner recruited by Coach John Buck out of Davis High School in Yakima. He ran cross country his freshman year in 1974 for Coach Buck before Max Jensen took over the SCC men’s program. Jim finished third on the 1974 SCC team that won the NWAACC cross country team title with the all-time NWAACC scoring record of 16 points. In track he ran a 3:52.5c 1,500 meters and 9:23.59c in the 3,000 steeplechase, times which still rank in the top ten all-time in CCS track history. Jim won the 1975 NWAACC 2 mile in track with a 9:07.9 which helped SCC to its fourth straight team title. After SCC, he went to Central Washington University where he ran cross country and track before starting his coaching career in high schools in Oregon.

Mike Hadway, 1974-76

Hall of Fame Cross Country Runner Mike Hadway was an outstanding long distance performer from Rogers High School in Puyallup who ran on championship cross country teams for both John Buck (1974) and Max Jensen (1975) at Spokane Community College. He finished fourth in the NWAACC cross country championships in 1975 when his team scored a conference record low score of 16 points (15 is perfect) in winning the team title. Mike finished fourth in the mile in 4:15.1 at the NWAACC track meet and ran the 1,500 meters in 3:56.85 in 1976. He continued his running career at Eastern Washington University where he competed in both track and cross country. Hadway went into coaching and teaching at Ferris High School where his cross country teams have won several Washington State 4A cross country championships.

Steve Taylor, 1976-78

Steve Taylor was an outstanding distance runner from The Dalles High School in Oregon who ran cross country for Coach Dale Kennedy at SCC in 1976 and Coach Max Jensen in 1977. Steve placed sixth in the NWAACC cross country championships in 1977 after winning the NWAACC individual title the year before with a time of 20:08. He was a great track runner as well and ran a best of 31:28.17c in the 10,000 and 14:53.13c in the 5,000. He finished third in the 5,000 and second in the 10,000 as he helped SCC win NWAACC track and field championships in both 1977 and 1978.

Craig Olinger, 1977-79

Craig Olinger was another fine cross country runner for SCC, coming from North Central High School in Spokane to compete first for Coach Max Jensen in 1977 and Coach Duane Hartman in 1978. He finished third in the NWAACC cross country championships in 1977 and second in 1978. He was voted the cross country team’s Most Inspirational Runner and MVP in 1977 and selected as captain in 1978. Craig was just as accomplished on the track where he won the NWAACC 10,000 in 1978 with a 32:08.5 time. His best times of 9:27.02c in the steeplechase and 30:39.4c in the 10,000 are still ranked in the top ten all-time at CCS.

Ben Welch, 1981-83

Ben Welch was one of the most competitive distance runners to run for CCS. He was from Wasilla High School in Alaska and ran both cross country and track at CCS for Coach Duane Hartman. Ben finished second in the 1981 NWAACC championships in his freshman year before winning the individual title in 1982 with a 26:24 time. Welch was outstanding on the track as well as he finished second in the 10,000 and won the NWAACC 5,000 title with a time of 15:00.89. His best times of 14:35.64c in the 5,000 and 30:37.14c in the 10,000 are two of the best marks in CCS track history. He went on to Kansas University where he ran cross country and track. After graduation Ben became cross country and track coach at Highline Community College and then at Eastern Oregon University.

Kelly Husband, 1987-89

Kelly Husband came to CCS from Rogers High School in Spokane to run cross country for Coach Duane Hartman in the fall of 1987. Husband had a great long distance running career at CCS, helping lead the CCS cross country team to consecutive second place finishes in the NWAACC finals. He was voted the MVP in both 1987 and 1988 and also was named captain for the 1988 team. In the 1988 track season he finished third in both the 5K and 10k and helped the CCS team to the men’s track and field NWAACC championship. Husband finished second in the individual NWAACC cross country championships in both 1987 and 1988. Husband has the seventh best all-time CCS mark at the 8k distance, running 24:50.0 on the hilly Moscow, Idaho course.

Jim Henry, 1990-92

Jim Henry graduated from Shadle Park High School in Spokane before signing with Coach Duane Hartman at CCS. He quickly became a distance running star for the Sasquatch, leading the men’s cross country team to consecutive runner-up finishes in the NWAACC team championships in both 1990 and 1991. Jim’s second-place finish in 1990 was right behind teammate Greg Kuntz. He was voted team captain in 1990 and 1991, MIP in 1990 and MVP in 1991. In track he helped lead CCS to second place in the NWAACC team championship in 1991, finishing fourth in the 10k and second in the 5k.

Greg Kuntz, 1990-93

Greg Kuntz was from Mead High School and was recruited to CCS by Coach Duane Hartman. He became a standout runner in both track and field and cross country for the Sasquatch. He won the individual NWAACC cross country championship in 1990 while leading his team to a second-place finish. In track he won the 3000 meter steeplechase in both 1992 and 1993, helping CCS to a second-place team finish each year. Greg’s best time of 9:22.57 was set in winning the 1992 NWAACC championship and is still ranked sixth on the all-time CCS steeplechase list.

Shawn Beitelspacher, 1996-98

Shawn Beitelspacher Beitelspacher graduated from Hudson’s Bay High School in Vancouver, Washington where he set the school record and was All-State in both the 1600m and 3200m runs. He was recruited to CCS by head coach Larry Beatty and quickly became a distance running star for the Sasquatch. He helped lead CCS to two consecutive NWAACC cross country titles, finishing fourth in his first year and second in the individual standings in his sophomore year. Shawn won two NWAACC individual titles, setting school records in both the 5k and 10k, which helped lead CCS to two consecutive championships in track as well. He set the NWAACC record (14:03.03) in the 5k at the Stanford Invite in 1998 beating numerous NCAA Division I stars. Shawn was a seven-time All-American and continued his running and academic career at the University of Arkansas. Beitelspacher has been selected for the CCS Hall of Fame.

James Berry, 1997-99

James Berry Berry was from University High School where he finished 14th at the state meet in cross country his senior year. James helped lead CCS to consecutive NWAACC team titles in 1997 and 1998. His freshmen year James took third place at the NWAACC Championships and was the top freshmen finisher. He finished second his sophomore year in the individual NWAACC cross country championships and was named All-American in both years. In track he ran 9:19 in the steeplechase and 15:09 for the 5K. James went on to a successful high school coaching career at Central Valley High School where in 2006 he coached the men’s team to a third-place finish at the state cross country championships and that team was ranked 21st in the nation. In 2008 he followed with a fourth-place finish at the state meet. He was then hired to assist with the Sasquatch Harriers in 2009.

Mark Currell, 2003-06

Mark Currell Currell graduated from Selah High School in 2002 where he was an outstanding cross country and track athlete. He was recruited to CCS in 2003 by head coach Larry Beatty. Mark proved to be a great recruit as he finished second in both the 2003 and 2004 NWAACC Cross Country championships leading CCS to the NWAACC team titles in both years. In 2004, his head cross country coach was Erik Anderson who was assisted by Sean McLachlan. Currell’s cross country 8k personal best time of 24:56.0 ranks him in the top ten all-time at CCS. He was equally as successful in track as he won the NWAACC 2006 5K with a time of 15:15.66. Currell scored 40 points in two conference meets, earned five JC/CC All American awards, and helped CCS win two NWAACC team titles. He continued his academic and running career at Southern Utah University where he was named the Summit League Athlete of the Year in 2008. Currell has PR’s of 3:56 in the 1500, 14:49 in the 5k, and his 30:26.4 in the 10k ranks him fourth in all-time marks at CCS. He is a chef in the Air Force where he continues his running career.

Rick Bogatay, 2005-07

Rick Bogatay Bogatay came to CCS as a talented but raw runner from Emerald Ridge High School in Puyallup, Washington. As a freshman, Rick finished third on the team and fourth overall at the 2005 NWAACC cross country meet earning his first All-American award and helping the team to its fifth title in a row. The 2006 track season saw Bogatay upset the conference leader in the 1500 by running 3:57.5 and winning his first NWAACC title. As a sophomore, Bogatay led the Sasquatch Harriers to their sixth NWAACC title in a row finishing second overall at the championship meet and earning his third All-Amercan award. Rick accepted an athletic scholarship to Metro State University in Denver where he was coached by Pete Julian. He continued his success at the 1500 meter distance where he improved his time to 3:50.95 and qualified twice for the NCAA D-II outdoor track championships. Bogatay graduated from Metro State University with a degree in Education and is now a high school track coach and PE teacher.

Mark Moeller, 2005-08

Mark Moeller A graduate of Shadle Park High School, Moeller was recruited to Spokane by CCS cross country coach Erik Anderson. He finished third as a freshman at the 2005 NWAACC cross country championships at Lewisville State Park which earned him his first All-American award and helped the Sasquatch win their fifth NWAACC title in a row. In 2007, Mark finished second at the NWAACC meet to teammate Dak Riek and led Spokane to the third lowest score in NWAACC history. On the track, Mark finished second in both the 5k and 10k as a freshman and won both races as a sophomore to earn four All-American awards. Moeller transferred to WSU where he improved his 5k time to 14:32 and 10k to 30:18. His biggest improvement came in cross country where he finished 17th (23:29) at the 2009 PAC-10 championships and finished first for the Cougar team. Moeller graduated from WSU with a business degree and began a work career with Nike.

Dak Reik, 2007-09

Dak Riek A graduate of Mariner High School in Everett, Washington, Dak was recruited to Spokane by Erik Anderson. Dak set the school record of 24:33 for 8k at the Willamette Invite in 2007. He would go on to win the NWAACC title by a slim margin over his teammate Mark Moeller and led the Sasquatch to a resounding victory and seventh team title in a row. Dak redshirted the 2008 track and cross country seasons. During the 2009 track season, he won both the 5k and 10k to earn his second and third All-American awards as well as help the team claim yet another title. Dak would go on to run at Western State College of Colorado before finishing his career at Western Washington where he became a two-time NCAA Division II All-American for cross country.

Rigoberto Jimenez, 2008-10

Rigoberto Jimenez was a cross country state champion from Royal High School who was recruited to CCS by Erik Anderson. The number-one runner for the Sasquatch at nearly every race, Rigoberto captured the 2008 NWAACC title as a freshman by outrunning his twin brother Humberto and leading the Spokane to their eighth title in a row. He would finish second in both the 5k and 10k to teammate Dak Riek at the 2009 NWAACC track and field championships. As a sophomore Rigoberto improved his 8k by 27 seconds to 25:06. Jimenez finished fourth overall and second on the team at the 2009 NWAACC championships helping the Sasquatch to their ninth title in a row. He finished second in the 10k to teammate Anthony Brown and third in the 5k helping Spokane win another title. Rigoberto had personal bests of 15:16 and 31:50 on the track and finished his career a six-time All-American. Jimenez continued his running career at Great Falls University.

Anthony Brown, 2009-11

A graduate of University High School, Anthony Brown was the first recruit of new head coach Sean McLachlan. Anthony ran 24:39 at the Willamette Invite his freshman year to move into third all-time on the Community Colleges of Spokane 8k list. He would finish second in a close race at the NWAACC meet but the Sasquatch would still win their ninth team title in a row. Anthony carried his momentum over to the track where he won both the 5k and 10k and contributed 20 points to the team victory. As a sophomore, Anthony had a tremendous season culminating in an easy NWAACC title winning by 37 seconds and leading a 1-2-3 Sasquatch finish and league record tenth team title in a row. On the track as a sophomore Anthony cruised to the 5k title earning his fifth All-American award as a Sasquatch. His personal bests on the track were 31:15, 14:46, and 4:00.