The final kick

Season-long comeback leads Pilja to nationals

By Shawn Kemp

Daily Sports Writer

The 2000 cross country season has been a comeback period for Mark Pilja.

After finishing 57th in the 1999 NCAA championships, Pilja set out to build on his cross country mileage base and have a strong track season for the Wolverines.

But he encountered some roadblocks along the way.

A viral infection in January kept Pilja from training, which, in return, led to his decision to go on a diet. His already lean frame turned into a weak, 5-foot-10, 130-pound skeleton, causing him to end his track season early.

Fast forward to June. With a new strategy to his training, Pilja took more time to stretch, concentrated on running quality miles and regained his confidence to take on the role as Michigan's top runner.

Coach Ron Warhurst said he is satisfied with Pilja's comeback for the season.

"I'm tickled pink and pleased about the way he's been running," Warhurst said. "He's shown that when he's healthy and done the right things, he can have an impact."

Pilja's lead-by-example mentality has led the Wolverines to runner-up finishes at both the Sundodger and Murray Keatinge Invitationals, with Pilja finishing as the overall champion in both meets.

"I kind of thrive on it," Pilja said about being No. 1 for the Wolverines. "In high school I was the top runner all the time - I feel like I'm back where I belong."

Being back in the top position has brought Pilja to a new level nationally - he is a prime contender for All-America honors at the NCAA championships, which begin today in Ames, Iowa.

Pilja qualified for nationals Nov. 11 at the NCAA Regionals, where he placed fourth in the 10-kilometer race in a talented pool of runners, crossing the line only four seconds out of first place.

Michigan finished seventh in the race, so Pilja will be the lone Wolverine in Ames.

Warhurst and Pilja discussed the runner's strategy for the national meet, figuring an average race should put him among the top 25 finishers unless he "gets knocked down and trampled."

"This is a no-pressure situation," Warhurst said.

Warhurst's encouragement has influenced Pilja's mindset for races such as nationals.

"He's been able to calm me down," Pilja said. "He's taught me how to prepare for big races. I know now that if you can control your emotions, you're going to do well."

Throughout his comeback season, Pilja's actions have inspired the rest of Michigan's team, Warhurst said. "They look at him and they know who he is. They think, 'If he can do it, maybe we can, too."

His admirers will be rooting him on to accomplish his personal goals on his 176th consecutive day of running.

"When the season started, finishing in the top 15 was my goal," Pilja said. "It's still my goal now at the end. Hopefully (today) will be the high point."

BRENDAN O'DONNELL/Daily

Mark Pilja is Michigan's lone male representative at the NCAA championships.