By Nicholas Slepnikoff
Freshman harrier Trevor Dunbar competed in the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland.
Out of a field of 121 runners, Dunbar, who ran the nearly five mile race in 23 minutes and 36 seconds, finished in 29th place. The top American in the junior race, Dunbar was thrilled by his journey and accomplishments this season.
"I think it went really well," Dunbar said. "I was pretty excited."
Dunbar said that he felt he did the best he could do and was content with his March 28 performance. Despite the 10-hour jump forward, Dunbar also said that very little distracted him in his preparation for the race.
"We got there six days in advance, so the time change wasn't a factor," Dunbar said.
Also, Dunbar said he benefitted from his Alaskan cross country roots.
"In Alaska, you're used to running - no matter what the conditions," Dunbar said. "Nothing really worries me too much when I get to a race. I know everything's going to be fine once we start."
Head men's cross country coach Robert Connor was also pleased with Dunbar's performance.
"I think Trevor's result was realistically right on," Connor said. "It's hard to know the competition throughout the world since we don't know these people, but when I heard 29th I thought it was great."
Dunbar's performance also impressed Connor. Originally around 10 seconds ahead of the United States runners at the national race, Dunbar finished 34 seconds ahead of all of the other Americans in the March 28 meet, according to Connor.
He was also pleased by Dunbar's finish amongst some of the world's running powerhouses.
"Trevor was the second non- African born finisher, so that was exciting," Connor said. "Just to put it into perspective, the only people in the world that are beating him are from one place."
Dunbar now turns to the track season. According to Dunbar, he will continue to run unattached this year.
Since he used his redshirt this season, Dunbar said his focus was next year's cross country season. He has some high hopes for next year's season.
"I would love to do something like this again," Dunbar said.
