Dunbar Wraps XC Season with 2nd in Nationals

Erik Wander/KMXT

Kodiak’s Trevor Dunbar took second place Saturday in the annual Foot Locker high school national championship race at Balboa Park in San Diego, marking the best finish ever by an Alaskan at the national meet. KMXT’s Erik Wander has more.

Dunbar’s second-place finish was the best by an Alaskan at the national cross country meet since Miguel Gomez of Anchorage West High School placed 13th in 1992. Dunbar, who said he was pleased with the results, emphasized the experience factor of the event above all else.

— (Trevor 1 55 sec "It felt really great … you get a lot of questions and everything.")

Kodiak running coach and Dunbar’s father Marcus Dunbar said he’s proud of the second place finish, both as a coach and as a parent.

— (Dunbar 1 42 sec "Trevor has had … couldn’t be more proud of him, as parents, as a coach.")

Dunbar, who led the race briefly at one point, finished second to Maryland’s Solomon Haile. Haile finished the 5,000 meter course with a time of 15 minutes, 15 seconds, seven seconds ahead of Dunbar, who finished at 15 minutes, 22 seconds. Indiana’s Thomas Porter was third with a time of 15 minutes, 26 seconds.

Marcus Dunbar said Trevor had a chance to win the race, but that the goal entering the race was a top-five finish against runners he had never faced before.

— (Dunbar 2 36 sec "He was obviously in contention … elite competition like that.")

Dunbar is considering offers from Oklahoma State, Northern Arizona, University of Portland, University of Oregon and Stanford University for his collegiate running career. Father Marcus said his son also plans to pursue a degree in business.

— (Dunbar 3 24 sec "And then weigh out the pros and cons … on the business side of things.")

Marcus and Trevor Dunbar both appreciate the strong support shown by the community. Dunbar was one of 40 runners in a field comprised of the top 10 finishers from four regional meets held the weekend before. I’m Erik Wander.

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