MARCH 11, 2022, KEIZERTIMES, PAGE B11
Although it's been almost 10 years
since his last collegiate race, Christensen
still runs competitively, participating in
races anywhere between 50 meters and
50 miles. He also hosts the Angry Owl
Ultramarathon, which takes place every
summer in Salem, and prides himself on
running regularly with his athletes.
“I just want to be the guy that practices
what they preach, but I also want people
to know that they can run beyond high
school. There are all sorts of opportu-
nities, whether it's in college or at local
runners clubs, and I want to model that,”
Christensen said.
With McNary cross country not
being competitive for a number of
years, Christensen knows that he has
his work cut out for him. But he believes
that in time, the Celtics will return to
prominence.
“It takes time, consistency and invest-
ment, by both athletes and coaches. It's
going to take me showing that I care and
that I'm going to be here long term. It's
about not just showing what I know, but
showing that I care,” Christensen said.
“We are going to treat it like a champi-
onship program, even though we aren't
there yet.
“McNary hasn't been in the conver-
sation for competitive cross country in
a few years, and that is going to change.
We're going to be in that conversation.
It's going to take some time, but we're
going to be there.”
The McNary High School cross country team in practice in fall of 2021.
Photo by MATT RAWLINGS of Keizertimes
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