Lady Stallions Show Resilience at the 48th Rice Invitational XC 2024
By Rev. Justin C. Jackson (North American University Stallions Stable Talk News)
In the sweltering heat of a Texas night, the Lady Stallions of North American University gave it their all at the 48th Rice Invitational Cross Country race on September 13, 2024. It was a challenging evening race, with the heat still radiating off the asphalt and the humid air clinging to every breath, but the Stallions stood firm and battled through the discomfort.
Leading the charge for NAU was none other than Elina Gonzalez, the freshman sensation who has been making waves this season. Gonzalez clocked in at 20:22.00, proving yet again why she's a force to be reckoned with. She was followed by teammate Demry Salciado, who crossed the line in 21:04.10. Though these times may not have matched their personal bests, the effort, discipline, and determination displayed by the Lady Stallions were undeniable, especially in such grueling conditions.
The competition was fierce, with Rice University and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi bringing in seasoned upperclassmen who dominated the leaderboard. Rice's Heidi Nielson took the top spot, finishing at a blistering 13:41.20, setting the tone for a field filled with veteran runners.
A Shoutout to Alyvia Brown – SWAC Pride and NAU Supporter
A big shoutout to Alyvia Brown of Texas Southern University, who finished with an impressive time of 15:15.50, representing the SWAC with pride. Alyvia is more than just a fierce competitiveness; she's also been a staunch supporter of the NAU Lady Stallions, known for cheering on our athletes from the sidelines whenever she can. Her sportsmanship and encouragement don't go unnoticed. It's these moments of unity across teams that remind us of the broader spirit of competition and community within collegiate athletics.
Cross Country – More Than Just Running
Cross-country running is a sport that requires more than just putting one foot in front of the other. It's a tactical battle that stretches across miles of varying terrain, where strategy and endurance are just as important as speed.
Runners like Elina and Demry, and their fellow competitors, are tasked with pacing themselves, knowing that a fast start might lead to early burnout. They must gauge their opponents, monitor their breathing, and adjust their strides depending on the terrain. Cross-country races often feature a combination of grassy fields, gravel paths, and even hills, which can zap energy quickly if not approached wisely. Knowing when to push and conserve energy is the key to success.
The nighttime race posed an additional layer of difficulty. Most athletes are conditioned for morning runs, where cooler temperatures and familiar routines allow their bodies to reach optimal performance. A night race flips that routine on its head, with athletes forced to adjust their mental and physical rhythm. Add to that the suffocating heat, and you've got the perfect storm of challenges to navigate.
For the NAU Lady Stallions, this race was as much about learning as it was about competition. Cross-country is a grueling sport that doesn't forgive lapses in focus or preparation, but our athletes showed resilience, proving that they are not afraid of the grind.
Overcoming Adversity
In this race, another form of adversity loomed large with the cuts following the twelfth class day, which impacted many student-athletes at NAU. Yet, despite this setback, our Lady Stallions continued to put in the work, refusing to let adversity hold them back. They are building something special, brick by brick, and this race was another step forward in that journey.
Ladies, this is the time to train with the faith of Ruth or Job and to channel the indomitable spirit of track legends like Wilma Rudolph and Florence "Flo Jo" Griffith Joyner. Draw inspiration from Kaitlyn Jenner's early life as Bruce Jenner, who defied the odds to become an Olympic champion. Greatness is forged in such moments, and you have the heart, the strength, and the resolve to push through.
As Jenny Gump once said, "Run! Run! Run!"
The Journey Ahead
We may not have finished at the top of the leaderboard, but make no mistake, this is a beginning, not an end. The journey continues, and the lessons learned will only make our team stronger. It's time to get those hooves up, Stallions! We may be all we've got, but if we're all we've got then we've got a lot! The strength of our team is in its unity, its determination, and its unwavering belief in the process.
Gooooooo Stallionssssssss!!!!!!
Stay tuned for more cross-country updates and recaps in your North American University Stallions Stable Talk News—where we cover the heartbeat of NAU Athletics!
