Southwestern Community College (SWCC) is thrilled to announce that Chase Oates, a sophomore hailing from Columbia Heights, Minnesota, has been named the NJCAA Cross Country Division II Runner of the Week. This prestigious recognition comes on the heels of Oates' remarkable performances in recent cross country races.

At the Greeno/Dirksen Invite, co-hosted by Nebraska Wesleyan University and the University of Nebraska, Oates showcased his incredible talent by delivering a stellar performance in the men's 8K race. Oates crossed the finish line in 106th place out of 359 runners with an impressive time of 26 minutes and 13.3 seconds, setting a personal record and marking a remarkable 1 minute and 21 seconds improvement from his previous performance on the same course last year. This exceptional achievement catapulted Oates from 13th to fourth on SWCC's all-time performance list and marked the fastest 8K cross country time for the program since 2006.

Chase Oates displayed his remarkable consistency by running strong 2-kilometer segments throughout the race. He executed his race plan with precision, strategically accelerating in the final 2K of the race to secure his spot among the top performers.

Scott Vicker, Director of Cross Country/Track & Field at SWCC, praised Oates for his outstanding performance, stating, "Chase ran an all-around strong race. He executed his race plan very well, getting out for the first 2 kilometers just how we wanted. This was a great learning experience for him, and his confidence is growing with each workout. He now knows he can compete at a high level and go with the best."

With this exceptional performance, Chase Oates has secured his place at the NJCAA Cross Country National Championships, scheduled to be held in Huntsville, Alabama, on November 11, 2023.

Oates' dedication to his sport and his commitment to training have been key factors in his success. He has consistently shown his potential for greatness, and his sophomore cross country campaign promises to be an exciting journey for both him and the SWCC community.

Chase Oates, a native of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, is a sophomore student-athlete who has already made his mark on SWCC's cross country program. With his unwavering determination and hard work, Oates has proven to be a rising star in the world of collegiate cross country. He continues to push his limits and strive for excellence, setting the stage for a promising season ahead.

For more information about Chase Oates and SWCC's cross country team, please follow us on social media by searching for Run4SWCC.