Camas Cross Country standout Sam Geiger continues to make Camas proud.

By: Chase Muro

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Geiger has made a strong mark at Gonzaga University. In 2024, his 4x mile relay team placed first at the prestigious Drake Relays. He also won the 8K at the Sasquatch Open with a time of 24:13.00. On top of that, he holds the school record in the 800m after running 1:49.76 at the Portland Distance Carnival in 2024.

 

But the road has not always been sunshine and rainbows for Geiger. There were moments that tested him, moments that challenged the idea of “the man in the arena.”

 

During the winter of 2022, his sophomore year, Geiger suffered a serious IT band injury that forced him to miss the entire 2023 track season. It was a crushing blow for both him and the Gonzaga track and field program, halting momentum and putting his future in the sport into question. The injury took a toll on him mentally and physically.

 

“It was a dark spot in my athletic life,” Geiger said. “There were a lot of mornings where I woke up thinking, ‘Can I even overcome this?’”

 

But waving the white flag was never in his nature. There was no sense of capitulation in this distance runner. Geiger and his trainer worked every day to claw their way back into the sport he loved.

 

“I was in the training room every day just trusting the plan,” Geiger said.

 

There is something to be learned from moments like that, when your back is against the wall and two paths open in front of you. We all face those moments, a clear choice to keep going or give in.

 

Sir Winston Churchill once said, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” Geiger did exactly that, and eventually reaped the rewards.

 

In 2024, after overcoming adversity, Geiger returned to compete at the Portland Distance Carnival, just 25 to 30 minutes from his hometown of Camas. It was there that he broke Gonzaga’s 800m record.

 

Back in late 2022, that achievement would have seemed nearly impossible. But Geiger never stopped believing in his ability.

 

He kept telling himself, “Be patient.”

 

For many young people, it is easy to get caught in the constant pace of life, always trying to keep up. Geiger carries a different message, one rooted in patience. There is something freeing about that mindset. It creates space for growth, clarity, and perspective, reminding people to slow down and trust the process.

 

Geiger is currently pursuing his MBA at Gonzaga University and plans to graduate in Spring 2027 while finishing his final year competing in cross country and track. He also serves as a graduate assistant at Gonzaga. While he has loved his running career, he plans to continue running recreationally. Once you are a runner, you are always a runner.

 

But his goals extend beyond the track.

 

“I definitely want to develop professionally and build a career,” he said. “I’d love to have a family someday.”

 

Geiger continues to make his hometown of Camas proud, not only through his performances in cross country and track, but through his character and consistency.

 

He faces adversity head-on, remains patient in difficult moments, and carries himself with steady purpose and humility.

 

Thank you, Sam, for your time. It was an honor and a pleasure.