Minnesota Cross Country Camp




Steve Plasencia - Camp Director
	July 2007 is the fifth year Coach Plasencia will host some of the top distance runners from around the Midwest and country at his newly formed camp. The 2006 cross country season will mark the eleventh season that Coach Plasencia will lead the University of Minnesota Men's Cross Country team. Since his arrival, the program has been to nine
consecutive national championships, won three district titles, and Plasencia has been named district coach of the year three times. A two time Olympian and All-American during his college day at Minnesota, Plasencia has brought the Minnesota program back to national prominence, and continues to build a winning tradition based on hard work and mental toughness.

Brad Wick - Camp Coordinator
	Brad Wick is the assistant coach for the Golden Gopher men’s cross country program. In addition to his coaching duties, Wick is also the meet director of the high school portion of the annual Roy Griak Invitational. Wick was a member of the Wisconsin-Stevens Point cross country and track teams from 1999 to 2004. As a team captain and
senior harrier in 2003, Wick led the Pointers to runner-up honors in the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships. Wick earned All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and All-Midwest Region honors in cross country and was a two-time all-conference performer in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physical education from UW-Stevens Point in 2004.

Ditlev Larsen - Associate Camp Director
Native of Denmark with extensive European racing history. Currently a Professor of English at Winona State University.

Camp Staff The Minnesota Cross Country Camp staff will include top high school and college coaches, as well as current and former Golden Gopher athletes, and various guest speakers.

Camp Speakers The Minnesota Cross Country Camp looks to expose athletes to a wide cross-section of perspectives on running, and does by bringing in some of the most knowledgeable running minds in the country. Past speakers have included: Matt Gabrielson - All American at Drake University, National level competitor, 13:41 5K. Roy Griak - Former U of M athlete, High School Coach, and U of M coach for 31 years. Matt Haugen - Macalester CC/Track Coach, Former USA Triathlon Nat’l Team Coach Toby Henkels - All American at Univ. of Minnesota, National level competitor, 1:47 800m. Bob Kempainen - Two-time Olympian, Former American Record Holder for the marathon. Theresa Plasencia - Physical Therapist. Trent Riter - All American at Univ of Minnesota, Olympic Trials Semifinalis, 1:47 800m. Rasa Troup - RDMS; Former Univ. of Minnesota All American and World Championship competitor for Lithuania.

Past Counselors The Minnesota Cross Country Camp looks to expose athletes to a wide cross-section of perspectives on running, and does by bringing in some of the most knowledgeable running minds in the country. Past speakers have included: Emily Brown - Univ. of Minnesota Cross Country All American 2005. Fourth in NCAA steeple chase 2006. Andrew Carlson - Former Univ. of Minnesota All American. Currently Team USA Minnesota athlete. Ranked #2 on USA TF road race championship series 2006. Heather Doriden - NCAA indoor champion 800 meters, 2006. Martin Robeck - Univ. of Minnesota All American, 1500m best 3:41 David VanOrsdel - Univ. of Minnesota Cross Country captain, 2006 Antonio Vega - NCAA Cross Country All American 2005.

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