SAN MATEO, Calif. -- Matt Strangio has been named the 2023 WCC Runner of the Year for his achievements during the recently concluded Cross Country season. Strangio was awarded not only for his personal achievements but for his ability to make his team better through leadership and poise. 

Strangio's season was highlighted by his first WCC individual title, a feat that had eluded any Pilot since Nick Hauger's victory in 2018. Strangio's win established a strong precedent for the Pilots, earning them second place overall at the WCC Championships in Malibu, Calif. Additionally, it would set a tone for the remainder of the season that the Pilots were just scratching the surface of their season's potential. 

Building on his success at the WCC Championships, Strangio continued to shine at the West Regional Cross Country Championships in Sacramento, Calif. Facing much of the best competition within the West Region, Strangio would secure himself a second place finish overall in a time of 28:59.5 for the 10,000 meter distance. His performance would establish him as the second fastest performer in course history, breaking the previous course record by nearly 30 seconds. His second place finish also contributed heavily to the Pilots' national qualifying performance with their third place finish overall, beating No. 4 CBU in a tie-breaker. 

Strangio's season would come to an end in Charlottesville, Va. at the NCAA Championships where he would earn his first top-100 finish, finishing 76th overall. His 76th place finish would be the highest finish from the Pilots who would go on to place 23rd overall - one spot above their 24th place national ranking. 

The Pilots' indoor track season will commence on Dec. 2, 2023 at the BU Sharon-Colyear Danville Season Opener in Boston, Mass. For more coverage and info, visit PortlandPilots.com.