Former LCSC runner shoots for U.S. Olympic Trials in marathon

7-25-06 

Former Lewis-Clark State College cross country runner Tausha Patterson (nee Kuzmic) will make her opening debut at the Twin Cities Marathon in Minneapolis on Sept. 30 in her efforts to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2008.

Patterson was a three time All-American at Lewis-Clark State, including twice in cross country and once in track when she won the marathon race at the NAIA national meet in 2005.  

"We are being somewhat optimistic at this point in regards to this race," LCSC cross country coach Mike Collins said.  "A lot has changed for Tausha in the past year which includes moving to Tampa, getting married and most recently, being involved in a head-on collision.  All of which have affected her training.  We are going into this race with the mindset of just getting our feet wet, see where our conditioning is at and going on from there. 

"We anticipate our first real opportunity to make the automatic or provisional time will be next February.  We have not decided on a race yet, but are leaning towards racing in Austin, Texas.  A race that has pacers for each of the qualifying times. 

"Right now it is exciting just to think we have a shot at making the trials, anything beyond that is not a part of our mindset right now.  As her coach, it is exciting to see her taking these steps and will be doubly-so to think of her wearing a Lewis-Clark State jersey in the Olympic trials."