Senior Zack closed his Oakland career by coming in 26th place in a field of 48 runners in the semi-final of the 10,000 meters.

“Zack was always a hard worker, very disciplined, and a great leader for our program,” track and field coach Paul Rice said.  “This was a special year because the goal of qualifying for the NCAA postseason preliminary round is something we talked about well over a year ago.

“This year, knowing that it was his last shot, he worked hard, took good care of his body, and really stayed determined.”

Lia, entering her senior year, became the first female in Oakland history to make the NCAA Championships.

Lia ran a 16:59.24 to place 13th in her heat and finished in 28th out of 48 runners in the semi-final of the 5000 meter event.

“She did a really great job of really taking care of her body,” Rice said, pointing to the fact that they were able to keep her from injury as a key to her performance. “She’s a very mature athlete and a very determined competitor.”

Lia felt that an increasing belief in her abilities was a key to success for her.

“I have learned, when it comes to a race, I need to be confident in the training I have put in and know I can hit the mark I set out to hit,” Lia said.

Because they didn’t race that much, it was important for Zack and Lia to make every race count.

“When you have an elite athlete like Zack and Lia,” Rice said, “they really are hungry to race, and they’re focused on their training.”

Earlier this season, Zack set a school record in the 10,000 meters with a time of 30:01.49 at the Drake Relays, which qualified him for Nationals, adding to a record previously set in the 5000 meters.

He also finished third in the 5000 meter events at both the indoor and outdoor league championships.

At the cross-country league championships, he finished in second place.  Additionally, he was named to the All-District Academic Team for the third straight year.

Along with her accomplishments during track season, Lia was an integral part of the Oakland’s women’s cross-country team, which took home the league championship.

Lia sees her brother Zack as a source of support for her.

“We have always been wanting the best for each other,” she said.  “Zack has taught me a lot not about running itself but more important about never taking anything too seriously and keeping things in perspective.”

“It’s the furthest thing from a rivalry,” Rice said. “They help keep each other calm and focused.  It’s fun to watch them interact.”

Zack and Lia combined to form quite the dynamic duo for Oakland’s track squad, both on and off the track.