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Eight time Arizona State Champion (3 in cross country and 5 in track and field) and 2008 Foot Locker National 11th place finisher, Brian Shrader from Sinagua verbally committed to the University of Oregon on Friday. The signing period is in February.
(photo on right by Margot Kelly)
Shrader, ranked US #8, had great visits at both the University of Texas and The University of North Carolina but after visiting The University of Oregon he knew he had to go there. Shrader waited to make his final decision until he had a chance to talk it over with his family. "My parents were very happy," said Shrader about the decision. "My Grandparents live 40 miles north or the U of O and are really excited about me being at Oregon."
"There were a lot of things I was looking for in a school," said Shrader. "Academics was obviously a huge part since eventually that's what I'm going to college for! But on the athletic side I really wanted to go to a school where I felt comfortable with the team and coaches," he continued. "I got along with Coach Andy Powell and Vin Lananna rigtht away and I could easily see myself being coached by them."
During his Oregon visit last weekend Shrader attended a nutrition class. "It was neat seeing what a college class was like. The big difference I noticed right away was that the students actually care and are interested."
Although Shrader ran against many of the Oregon runners when they were in high school, he really didn't know any of them. "My biggest concern was the team, I thought of them as an elite group but after meeting them I realized they are just a group of regular guys. They are really easy to get along with."
The team was really inclusive of Shrader. On his first day he went on a run with A.J. Acosta the 2005 Foot Locker National Champion. The second day he went on a run with Luke Puskedra, a top high school runner who recently won the NCAA Pre-Nationals.
The team was the biggest selling point for Shrader. "They are a really close, focused group and I got along with them great. Then there is the fact that UO is in the Pac-10 so I will be able to race closer to home and be able to get home easily while at the same time seeing something new. If you combine these with the tradition of Oregon, the facilities, and the education, I really had no doubts at all that Oregon was the place for me. I knew I had to be a part of what they're doing up there and can't wait to contribute as much as I can to the team!"
With the decision made, Shrader feels a sense of relief and is really looking forward to his future as a Duck!