Two old Cougars try to collide

By Corine Gatti

Published: August 11, 2008

STUARTS DRAFT

There’s nothing wrong with a little competition.

But what if it’s against a childhood friend? Many would frown about the notion of going against a pal for hardware.

Two former Stuarts Draft cross country runners are thoroughly hyped about the possibility. Bridgewater College senior Brandon Spalding and Coe College (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) senior Brad O’Neil are geared to race against each other after years of racing together.

There’s a catch: Both have to qualify for the NCAA Division III Cross Country Meet at Hanover College in Indiana on Nov. 22.

“It was logical progression; it’s the highest possible goal you can get at the collegiate level. We have been friends for about 12 years now. I think that it would be great to race Brandon,” O’Neil said. “That would be a great way to finish college.”

O’Neil said getting to the same platform will be a huge hurdle. In order for both athletes to be eligible to participate in the championships, they must qualify in their respective regions by placing in the top seven.

O’Neil is in the Central Region and Spalding is in

the South.

“Since we are from different colleges, this is the only way to race against each other in the NCAA cross country tournament,” Spalding said.

Meanwhile, they are taking the steps to get to that stage.

“Every summer we run and workout together. We have been training partners since high school,” Spalding said.

Draft cross country coach Allen Cliffton said he was not surprised by his former athlete’s ambition.

“When they were running at Draft, they were very serious. They enjoyed what they did.” Clifton said. “They had fun with it and it showed. Their success at college will open more doors to other Draft runners.”

O’Neil has tasted victory against Spalding before in the 11th grade.

“That was only by five seconds,” O’Neil said. “We have been pretty close when we raced against each other.”

According to the Coe College Web site, O’Neil finished 14th in his regional last season, while Spalding held his own and led Bridgewater’s runners, finishing 18th in the South Regionals.

If the two friends compete at the cross country nationals this fall, there won’t be any hard feelings.

“I think we will both be smiling. We won’t be jealous or anything. No a-has, or pointing fingers,” Spalding said.