KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Halfway through his junior year in college, local running star Trevor Dunbar has decided to transfer from the University of Portland to the University of Oregon.
— (Dunbar 1 :15 “Started thinking about it last spring really when I was hitting a plateau, I guess. I really started seriously considering it this summer when I had some time to reflect on the past school year and where my career was headed from there.”
While at Kodiak High School, Dunbar was a three-time Alaska State Cross Country champion and twice declared as the track and field champion. Since moving on to college, Dunbar won the 2010 NCAA West Regional and was distinguished as an All-American at the 2011 NCAA Cross Country Championships.
He says the decision will help advance his running career.
— (Dunbar 2 :39 “It was something I’ve given a lot of thought to and didn’t want to pass up an opportunity that I’ve always thought about, running for the University of Oregon. Hopefully, they’ll be hosting some NCAA championships and Olympic trials next summer, so it’s something I wanted to give myself the chance to take that opportunity, be around that atmosphere and try to elevate my running career to that next level. It was something that was hard to break away from, what’s been working well for me, but I also wanted to get that extra little boost that I think I need.”)
Dunbar’s parents, Marcus and Kathleen Dunbar, both ran for the Portland Pilots with his father also eventually transferring to the University of Oregon. He says his Portland teammates have been supportive of his decision.
— (Dunbar 3 :13 “I think we’re still gonna be friends even though my jersey’s changing. I think the relationships and friendships you make are a lot more important than some rivalries.”)
Dunbar is currently completing his academic finals. He’s returning to Kodiak this weekend for the holidays.
