Florida A&M University’s women’s cross country team arrived at Apalachee Regional Park on Oct. 30 for the SWAC XC Championship race ready to dominate the field. And the Rattlers did just that as they emerged victorious as the 2023 SWAC champions.
Both the race and win were nothing short of a perfect representation of this team’s hard work and dedication to their sport. In cross country, races consist of running 3.1 miles, otherwise known as a 5k. With most sports, what matters most is who scored the most points. XC is all about who finishes first. These runners will compete in rain, snow, sleet and hail. They face all elements. With practices Monday to Friday, teammates stayed focused throughout all preparation. Working tirelessly every day on and off the field to ensure that they are doing what needs to be done to succeed. Hard work certainly pays off.
Proper preparation prevents poor performance. One of four freshmen on the team this year, Niya Coleman is a criminal justice scholar from Tallahassee, FL. She shared that the practices and preparation leading up to this meet were fueled with one goal in mind: winning the championship.
“Everyone came ready to work, making sure our bodies were getting enough treatment, and constantly hydrating,” she said. “I can definitely say we were prepared for this moment.”
With two freshman scholars in the top ten, five personal records, and a massive jump from placing eighth last year to now first place champions, FAMU Women’s XC is hitting the ground running this year. Pun intended.
Third year Health-Leisure Fitness scholar and team captain Serenity Williams shared that winning SWAC is a really good stepping stone overall.
“Our part of the program gets overlooked very often,” she said. “Now that we’ve secured this win, it’s only a stepping stone towards creating a better outlook on distance runners. With the fire that we brought, I think it’s going to motivate everyone else to go for two more championships with indoor and outdoor seasons.”
Running is not only physically taxing, but it can also have effects on your mental as well. Cross country is about more than just physical mobility and preparation, a healthy mindset is key for a positive outcome. Being a part of a team that not only pushes a player, but inspires them to be their best self, is the true definition of a team.
“‘Run for your girls!’ was the main thing replaying in my head during the race,” said Madison Gordon, a fourth year graduating senior biology pre-med scholar from Stockbridge, GA. “I’ve built such a strong bond with my teammates to the point where they’re a huge motivation for me. I had to deliver and show up for them just as much as they do for me.”
This SWAC Championship win means everything to the women on Florida A&M University’s Cross Country team. A well deserved victory for a hardworking team. This is only the beginning for them.