February 7, 2012

Stockton, Calif. – Pacific cross country will welcome two new members to the 2012 squad this fall. Head coach Josh Jones inked two new student-athletes to help solidify a roster that set the fastest team-time in school history last season at the Big West Championships. 

Jones is excited to welcome the new Tigers saying, "our program is starting to gain momentum and having two runners commit during the first week shows our school and current team members are making a great impact for the future of our cross country program."

The New Tigers:

Becky Grabow:
Grabow will come to Pacific after an illustrious high school career on and off the course. She is the two-time defending 2A state champion in girls' cross country and the two-time defending Division 1A state champion in the 1600 and 3200 for track and field. Her personal record in the 5K sits at 19:17, a time she will look to improve once she reaches Pacific. As a sophomore, Grabow won the Division IA 1600, 3200 and 4X400 relay state championships. Academically at Sierra Lutheran High School in Carson City, Nevada, Grabow excelled in the classroom by making the honor roll from 2009-11.

Jones on Grabow:
"Becky is an energetic person that brings a lot of talent and a great work ethic to the team.  She is going make a big impact right away." 

Lauren Nakaso:
Nakaso will come to Pacific after a successful high school career at Dougherty Valley High School in San Ramon, Calif. She competed on the cross country, track and field and soccer teams. She won numerous varsity letters and was the captain of all three teams. She led the Wildcats to its first ever North Coast Section Championship title. Then as a junior she helped her soccer team win the North Coast Section Championship. She was selected All-League in soccer and track and field. Nakaso was honored with the Wildcat Award, Most Inspirational Athlete, and Coaches Award for all three sports at DVHS. She was also honored as the Wendy's Heisman Winner for her high school. Nakaso excelled in the classroom as a member of the National Honor Society and North Coast Section Scholar Athlete in all nine varsity seasons in which she competed. She will be a third generation Pacific Tiger, as her mother and grandfather attended the University of the Pacific.

Jones on Nakaso:
"Lauren is a very positive person and a determined runner.  We look forward to what she brings to our program on and off the course."