About the Program

Pacific University men’s cross country is a rising program in the Northwest Conference (NWC). The Boxers compete in the NCAA DIII NWC and NCAA DIII West Region. They race over 8,000m (4.97 mile) courses at most regular season and all championship meets. They've had a number of exceptional individual performances from both older and more recent history.  

At the conference level, Pacific had a break-through year in 2021, placing 4th in the NWC Team Championships - the best finish for the men’s team in over 20 years. Senior Riley Stewart took 4th place and earned First Team All-Conference honors, and sophomore Erik Maack placed 10th to earn Second Team All-Conference honors. In the Boxers history, two runners have won an NWC Title: Roger Hansen (1976) and Tyler Shipley (2014). Those who’ve earned First-Team All-Conference honors (top 7) include Riley Stewart (2021), Tyler Shipley (2014 & 2013), Kellen Peters (2006), Roger Hansen (1976), Tom Cason (1976), Ron Vogt (1975), Rod Adams (1975), and Mike Olin (1968). 

The Boxers have sent three men to compete in the NCAA DIII National Championship race since the program joined the NCAA in 1998.  Most recently, standout senior Riley Stewart qualified by placing 14th in the NCAA West Region. Stewart earned All-Academic Honors for his performance. Others who have represented the Boxers on the national stage in the NCAA are Tyler Shipley (2013 & 2012) and Kellen Peters (2006). 

Previous to 1998, the Boxers competed in the NAIA. During that time, eight Boxers competed in the National Championships. In 1975, the Boxer’s men’s cross country team finished in 18th place at the NAIA National Championships with 541 points. Those who competed in that race for Pacific were Ron Adams (47th), Ron Vogt (109th), Dave Nees (118th), Art Eddy (171st), Bob Fierro (201st), Rich Snoddy (209th), and Mike Edwards (312th). Additionally, this group of seven men also won the NAIA District 2 Cross Country Championships - the equivalent to current days NCAA West Region Championship - on November 8, 1975, with 39 points. In 1981, Ignacio “Nash” Guaracha competed in the NAIA National Championships, finishing in 144th place, time of 27:27.

The men’s cross country program also succeeds in the classroom. By having a total team roster with a cumulative GPA of over 3.10, the team has earned All-Academic honors several years including this past 2022 season. This award was introduced in 2008. This past fall the men’s program finished the season with a 3.31 cumulative GPA.

The squad trains on the country roads and neighborhood streets of Forest Grove, Oregon. Pacific University is situated at the foothills of the Oregon Coast Range, home to many logging roads, wine-country gravel roads, and rolling farmland roads. Our regular running routes are located on the team’s website home page. 

Follow the team on Instagram at @boxertfxc.