After a rookie year of great achievements, sophomore Chris Toloff is ready for intense competition and a season full of victories.
As one of the top runners on the MSU men’s cross country team, Toloff launched a strong performance Saturday in the Roy Griak Invitational, hosted by Minnesota. Toloff placed fifth out of 231 runners, finishing the 8-kilometer race with a time of 24:33.1.
He was also the top male finisher with a time of 24:45 in the Spartan Invitational held Sept. 20 at Forest Akers East Golf Course.
Following a long summer of training and dedication, Toloff attributes his recent success to the team.
“I had a really good summer of training with the team,” Toloff said. “ We did long distance and base running intervals that really helped me to win.”
In his first season of collegiate competition, Toloff proved to be more than an average freshman athlete when he placed second at his first race in the Grand Valley State Fall Classic last year.
Toloff went on to be the fourth-ranked freshman in the country at nationals, which he considered to be a huge accomplishment.
“Being the fourth freshman in the country was a big deal,” Toloff said. “I got to show everyone how well I could compete.”
Toloff’s successes come from more than just practice and skill, head coach Jim Stintzi said. His determination has also played a key role.
“Chris is a hard worker and singular in his mindset,” Stintzi said. “He has a great work ethic, and is willing to make sacrifices to achieve his goals.”
Stintzi also said only great things can be expected for Toloff.
“Chris is a leader and always pushes himself,” Stintzi said.
“With more work, I believe he could make NCAAs and All-American.”
Even though he excels at his sport, Toloff said he believes college competition is more fierce because it’s full of talented athletes.
“In college, the competition is harder and there are a lot of people who are good,” Toloff said. “I have been overshadowed by many great distance runners in the country, and I’m constantly trying to overcome that.”
In every competition, Toloff said he’s pushed to the limits, but he said it’s all worth it when it’s over.
“The races are usually about five to six miles long, and it hurts the whole way,” he said.
“There is pain, but it’s really great and all pays off in the end.”
