Two-time national prep cross country champ and Sandburg grad Lukas Verzbicas has decided to shift his focus from distance running to triathlons.

Verzbicas on Thursday posted a link on his Facebook page to a USA Triathlon news release announcing his decision to leave the University of Oregon and his running career to chase his Olympic triathlon dream.

"Thank you to the University of Oregon, coaches and teammates for the unmatched experience and support," Verzbicas wrote on his Facebook page. "I wish you nothing but the best of luck."

Verzbicas, who won the International Triathlon Union Junior World Championships in Beijing in September, will move to Colorado Springs, Colo., for his triathlon training.