Temple University Athletics
Cross Country’s Jensen and Harrsen to Represent Denmark at the European Cross Country Championships
11.30.17 | Men's Cross Country
PHILADELPHIA – Temple men's cross country freshmen Kristian Jensen and Anton Harrsen have been selected to represent Denmark at the 2017 SPAR European Cross Country Championships set for Dec. 10 at the Elements Resort sports complex in Cilistov, Samorin. According to the event's preliminary entries, the Owls will compete among a record 610 athletes from 40 countries.
"Having Kristian and Anton selected to represent Denmark at the SPAR European Cross Country Championships is a fantastic honor," says head coach James Snyder. "Both are training well and finished their collegiate seasons last weekend as All-East runners on our men's IC4A Championship team. While Kristian has competed at the European Cross Country Championships on three prior occasions, it is the first time Anton has been selected to represent his native Denmark. There is no greater honor in our sport than to wear your country's vest in international competition and I'll be excited to see these two compete against some of the best runners in the world."
In his first year at Temple, Jensen has helped the Owls to three-consecutive team wins at the Temple Invitational, the Rider invitational, and Notre Dame's Joe Piane Invitational. The freshman also helped the squad to the IC4A Championship title with a top-10 finish to earn All-East honors.
"I'm really excited to go back and compete against some of Europe's fastest runners," says Jensen. "I've learned a lot about cross country and running in general this season. I can't wait to hold my improved skill set up against the international competition. I've also heard that Slovakia has some beautiful stones, so travelling and exploring with Anton should be a blast."
Harrsen has accomplished just as much in his first year at Temple. The freshman was the Owls' top finisher at the conference championships, placing eighth overall. His top-15 performance earned him All-Conference honors. Harrsen placed fifth overall at the IC4A Championship to earn All-East honors, helping Temple to its first IC4A title in program history.
"To be chosen for the national team is one of the greatest things for an athlete to achieve because it means that you are recognized for what you do and you are able to represent your country out in the world," says Harrsen. "It is my first time competing at the championships and my time at Temple has really moved my form towards this level of competition. It will be amazing to represent Denmark as well as the cherry and white and really show people what you can take away from Temple University."
Both Jensen and Harrsen were key contributors to Temple's success in 2017. The duo continues a standing tradition of Temple Owls who have competed in this event including teammate Marc Steinsberger (Germany, 2014-2015), Blanca Fernandez (Spain, 2010-2014, 2016), and Stephan Listabarth (Austria, 2015).
"Having Kristian and Anton selected to represent Denmark at the SPAR European Cross Country Championships is a fantastic honor," says head coach James Snyder. "Both are training well and finished their collegiate seasons last weekend as All-East runners on our men's IC4A Championship team. While Kristian has competed at the European Cross Country Championships on three prior occasions, it is the first time Anton has been selected to represent his native Denmark. There is no greater honor in our sport than to wear your country's vest in international competition and I'll be excited to see these two compete against some of the best runners in the world."
In his first year at Temple, Jensen has helped the Owls to three-consecutive team wins at the Temple Invitational, the Rider invitational, and Notre Dame's Joe Piane Invitational. The freshman also helped the squad to the IC4A Championship title with a top-10 finish to earn All-East honors.
"I'm really excited to go back and compete against some of Europe's fastest runners," says Jensen. "I've learned a lot about cross country and running in general this season. I can't wait to hold my improved skill set up against the international competition. I've also heard that Slovakia has some beautiful stones, so travelling and exploring with Anton should be a blast."
Harrsen has accomplished just as much in his first year at Temple. The freshman was the Owls' top finisher at the conference championships, placing eighth overall. His top-15 performance earned him All-Conference honors. Harrsen placed fifth overall at the IC4A Championship to earn All-East honors, helping Temple to its first IC4A title in program history.
"To be chosen for the national team is one of the greatest things for an athlete to achieve because it means that you are recognized for what you do and you are able to represent your country out in the world," says Harrsen. "It is my first time competing at the championships and my time at Temple has really moved my form towards this level of competition. It will be amazing to represent Denmark as well as the cherry and white and really show people what you can take away from Temple University."
Both Jensen and Harrsen were key contributors to Temple's success in 2017. The duo continues a standing tradition of Temple Owls who have competed in this event including teammate Marc Steinsberger (Germany, 2014-2015), Blanca Fernandez (Spain, 2010-2014, 2016), and Stephan Listabarth (Austria, 2015).
Ep. 18: Men's Basketball Student-Athlete Olin Chamberlain Jr.
Tuesday, November 04
Ep. 17: Brian Thornburg, Executive Senior Associate AD for Development & NIL Strategy
Friday, October 31
Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary: Allan Haye Mic’d Up
Friday, October 31
Ep.16: Temple Football's Evan Simon
Tuesday, October 28
