Photo Credit: Bit Klecker/Ons Running
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On Running, the Swiss-based shoe company, just released its full roster for the newly formed On Athletics Club.
Alicia Monson, Oliver Hoare, Joe Klecker, Geordie Beamish, Leah Falland, Carlos Villarreal,Alicja Konieczekand Emily Oren will make up the eight-person squad based out of Boulder, Colorado.
The team is coached by American distance running legend Dathan Ritzenhein, who retired from professional running this year after a career that included American records and three Olympic appearances.
Of the eight members of the On Athletics Club, six won an NCAA championship at either the Division I or Division II level during their collegiate careers.
Monson, Beamish, Klecker, Hoare, and Villarreal were all expected to contend for an NCAA title earlier this year before the pandemic ended the indoor and outdoor seasons.
Despite the limited racing opportunities, the group has already seen some success. Hoare and Klecker raced a mile in Colorado last week; Hoare posted a 3:56.8 and Klecker ran 3:58.4.
Here's a bit more about the members of the OAC:
Alicia Monson
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Over the past two seasons, Monson solidified herself as one of the top runners in the NCAA, winning the 5000m at the 2019 NCAA Indoor Championships and finishing runner-up at the 2019 NCAA Cross Country Championships for Wisconsin. Monson owns personal bests of 8:45.97 for 3000m and 15:38.32 in the 5000m. Her mark in the 3000m came at the 2019 Millrose Games against a quality field featuring collegians and professionals.
Oliver Hoare
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Hoare, Monson's teammate at Wisconsin, established himself as one of the most consistent and versatile runners in the NCAA and won the 1500m at the 2018 NCAA Outdoor Championships. As a a collegian, he was an eight-time All-American, and notched two top-20 finishes at the NCAA Cross Country Championships. His 1500m personal best, 3:37.20, put him fifth on the Australian list for 2019.
Joe Klecker
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Klecker consistently delivered top-tier performances in the NCAA and was among the best runners in the system. The Colorado Buffalo took second at the 2019 NCAA Cross Country Championships after his strong showing indoors in 2019 when he placed second in the 5000m and third in the 3000m at the NCAA Indoor Championships. Klecker's personal bests of 7:47.57 for 3000m and 13:34.10 put him among the NCAA elite, and he would've been in the mix for an individual title prior to the cancelation of the 2020 indoor and outdoor seasons.
Geordie Beamish
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Beamish persisted through injuries over the early part of his collegiate career to win the mile at the 2019 NCAA Indoor Championships. He excelled in multiple events at Northern Arizona, both on the track and as a key part of NAU's national championship-winning cross country team. Beamish, who is from New Zealand, owns personal bests of 3:38.09 in the 1500m, 7:44.67 in the 3000m and 13:31.58 for 5000m.
Leah Falland
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Falland, née O'Connor, won two NCAA championships for Michigan State-the 2015 indoor mile and the 2014 steeplechase. As a post-collegiate runner, she took fourth at the USATF Championships in 2015, her highest finish in a U.S. championship event. Falland's personal best is 9:18.85 for the steeplechase.
Carlos Villarreal
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Villareal attended the University of Arizona, where he made a habit of delivering dramatic finishes punctuated by his big kick. He owns personal bests of 3:37.22 for the 1500m and 3:56.77 for the mile. Competing for Mexico, Villarreal won the 2019 Pan Am Games 1500m.
Alicja Konieczek
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Konieczekwon nine Division II titles at Western Colorado University, and owns personal bests of 9:36.09 in the steeplechase and 15:59.22. She won the steeplechase at the World University Games last year while representing Poland. Later in the summer, she raced at the IAAF World Championships in Doha, Qatar.
Emily Oren
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A nine-time Division II national champion during her time at Hillsdale College, Oren won the 1500m, steeplechase and placed third in the 5000m at the 2016 outdoor national meet. As a professional, she's focused on the steeplechase. Oren took fifth at the 2018 USATF Championships in the event. Her best is 9:40.65.