Opponents try to keep pace

September 9, 1993
Originally published by The Daily Collegian (Fresno State)

In 1992, the "Zoldak Attack" made a smashing debut in Dan Zoldak’s first Fresno State cross country season. Zoldak consistently paced the Bulldog runners along with two-year standout Jamey Harris to produce a lethal FSU running tandem.

In 1993, the Zoldak Attack will have to do what may be seemingly imminent--by his standards. He’ll have to step it up for the ’Dogs to stay in the hunt.

By opponents’ perspective, it is another year of trying to keep pace with this budding 5’9", 135-pound young star.

"We have a lot of young new blood," says Zoldak. Red Estes, the dean of FSU cross country, agrees.

"We have a lot of youth in our program. The challenge this year will be getting this youth movement to Division I competition," Estes, who is in his 30th year at FSU, said.

FSU has a few proven veterans on the course this year, but is mostly young and inexperienced.

One young Bulldog, John Steele, rates Zoldak as "the best on the team. He’ll do it."

Estes is not given to such bursting, innocuous praise, but he does believe Zoldak will play a leading role.

Zoldak thus faces the elder statesman task--to provide inspiration and leadership to a baby-faced squad as well as be the team’s running leader.

"The responsibility is in my hands now," says Zoldak. "The same way we relied on Harris, I have to be the example. It’s up to the newcomers to follow and stay close."

Zoldak will admit that the loss of Jamey Harris will impact both him and the other ’Dogs.

"It’s a big impact," says Zoldak. "Jamey carried us, both with his experience and running ability. We could count on him being in front."

Harris won the WAC conference championship behind solid running in 1992. "I have to keep the streak alive," says Zoldak.

And he will, according to the dean.

"Dan should be our best returning runner," says Estes. "He will lead us and be our No. 1 runner. This summer, Dan’s been very dedicated and should be a success."

The ’92 season and ’93 spring saw Zoldak place 20th at the November WAC Championships and put in a torrid track and field season.

The Zoldak Attack is right on schedule so far. Zoldak won the Musik Mountain training run in the preseason with a personal course record of 55:14. In the 2.2 Miler, he placed fifth.

In the Watermelon Run, which began the Bulldog regular season, he was the lead Bulldog runner and fourth overall at 20:43.

"It was a good first race. We’ll be ready for next week," Zoldak predicted. "The course was slow this year compared to last."

The pressing question is how the young ’Dogs can cope.

"This will be an improving year," says Zoldak. "We’ll be improving and running well as the season goes on. We might start off slow, but we’ll come on strong later in the year."