June 17, 2010

Former Oakland University cross country student-athlete Jeff Standfest was killed earlier this week while defending his country as a proud member of the U.S. Marines in Afghanistan, according to reports on Thursday.

Standfest, a 23-year-old from China Township in St. Clair County, died early Wednesday when he apparently stepped on an improvised explosive device, reported by The Oakland Press.

He competed on the cross country team in 2005 and helped the Golden Grizzlies to their second Mid-Con Championship. He was also a part of the inaugural track and field team here at Oakland University in 2006 and finished eighth in the 1,500-meter run at the Mid-Con Championships.

"He was a good leader as a freshman," said OU coach Paul Rice. "It was with great sadness that we learned of his passing and our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

For more on Standfest, please click here to read The Oakland Press article.

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