Oregon Grants Releases To Athletes

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

There are a handful of names missing from Oregon's current cross country roster, including former Nike Cross Nationals champions Katie Rainsberger and Tanner Anderson. 

Chris Hansen of the Eugene Register-Guard tweeted that those two, plus Lilli Burdon and Mick Stanovsek, have all been granted waivers. 

All four are close to former Ducks coaches Andy and Maurica Powell and the mostly likely scenario is that all four are headed to the University of Washington where the Powells now captain the ship. 

The coaching change no doubt caused many of the athletes in the Oregon program to consider their options. Rainsberger is a five-time All-American and was a key part of Oregon's 2016-2017 triple crown -- with NCAA team titles in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track. She has spent the summer recovering from an injury that curbed her 2018 season.

Harvard transfer Judy Pendergast is no longer on the roster, either. And Jaxson Hoey, the brother of talented recruit Josh Hoey, is also no longer listed.