KEATING MAKES RETURN TRIP TO NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS
For Immediate Release: Friday, 21 November 2003
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Sports Information Director, (956) 381-2240

EDINBURG, TX-Last year, junior distance runner Westly Keating (Pharr, TX/PSJA HS/Texas) hoped to see snow for the first time in 15 years when he represented The University of Texas-Pan American at the NCAA Cross Country Championships.

This year, with snow a distinct possibility for Monday's race, Keating said the weather won't affect his performance when he joins 31 teams and 39 individual runners at the Irv Warren Golf Course in Waterloo, IA. The men's race will begin at 11 a.m. and is 10 kilometers in length.

Monday's weather forecast for Waterloo calls for a high of 29 degrees, and snow. "If it's really cold, it seems like it takes forever to start the race," said Keating. "It's supposed to snow and be really cold, but it's more of a mental thing. Once it starts, the weather won't bother me."

Keating finished 25th last season and was named an All-American. This year, he qualified for a return trip to the NCAAs by finishing third at the NCAA South Central Championships for the second season in a row. In the process, he led the Broncs to an eighth place finish at regionals, their best finish ever.

In his second trip to nationals, Keating thinks last year's experience will help him this year. "Last year, I stayed back and worked my way up slowly," said Keating. "This year, I want to go out and run with the leaders, and stay up there as long as I can."

With many of the runners having competed against each other during the season, Keating knows his competition. "I've raced against most of them before," said Keating. "There are a few people who go out real fast. If you know them, you know who you want to stay with and how they run."

Keating hopes for a top 10 or 15 finish. "I have an outside shot at breaking into the top 10, and possibly the top 15," said Keating. "My goal is to try to get into the top 10, but if I don't finish top 15, I'll probably be upset."

Texas-Pan American Head Coach Ricky Vaughn has confidence in Keating. "Westly is the type of person who, when he gets something in his mind he wants to accomplish, he usually comes through," said Vaughn. "I think he has a good chance to finish in the top 15. The key is just to be focused on the race. Some people will be affected by the weather, and some will step up and surprise some people. It just comes down to the individual."

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