2013 Men's Cross Country Roster
Biography
SPU: Two-year letterwinner. Three years with the program.
Junior (2013): Ran in both meets at Fairbanks and then at Sundodger before an injury sidelined him for the rest of the season. Was SPU's No. 5 scorer in the two Alaska races, and was No. 4 across the line for the Falcons at Sundodger.
Sophomore (2012): Ran in four meets, including the GNAC Championships (No. 7 for SPU, 65th overall) and NCAA West Regionals (No. 6 for SPU, 119th overall). ... Also was part of the Falcons' top 7 at Sundodger and the Charles Bowles Invitational.
Freshman (2011): Ran in one meet, placing 35th overall at the Emerald City Open.
Cascade Christian High School: In his one year of cross country, was part of the team that won the league championship and placed 8th at the Oregon state meet. ... Placed 11th at state in the 1,500 meters as a senior in 2011.
Personal: Ryan Skyler Alcantara. ... Born July 10, 1993. ... Business administration major.
Fun facts: Did not take up cross country until August 2010 just prior to his senior year in high school, with the idea of improving his performance for track. ... Asked which he sport he likes better: "Cross country is the cake -- it's satisfying and basically the greatest thing in the world. But track is like the frosting -- it's just so good." ... Enjoys long, solo road runs at night, especially in Jacksonville, Ore, near his home, when "you can see all the stars and there is never anyone on the road past 11 p.m." ... If he wasn't running, would focus more on his passion for music. ... Book he just couldn't put down was "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Slayer." ... Loves apple pie. ... Favorite psych-up music before a big race is "Time of Your Song" by Matisyahu. ... Loves anything to do with Steve Prefontaine. ... Was a missionary in Mexico for three years at an oprhanage for mentally and physically challenged kids.
