Cross Country Runs Heart & Sole

January 30, 2020 0 Comments
As a team, DHS Cross Country runners come together before the start of the LHSAA State Meet on Nov. 19, 2019 in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Dominican’s team placed fifth in the competition. Photo by Mrs. Nicky Wood

On Nov. 19, the DHS Cross Country team took fifth place at the LHSAA State Meet in Natchitoches, LA. Additionally, DHS sophomore Kelsey Major earned the state runner up medal with a time of 19:09.

The team sent seven runners to compete in the state meet: eighth graders Bryce Couvillon and Morgan Trauth; freshman Roma McAlear, sophomores Major and Madison Trauth; junior Izzy Dischner; and senior Erin Sequiera.

“The girls ran extremely well, and everyone did exactly what they were supposed to do. We had raced well prior to state. I’m proud of them.” said Ms. Ashlyn Ciolino (’07), cross country coach. The Dominican runners beat the sixth-place team by 85 points.

Major was focused on the team’s success as well as her own success, especially after recovering from last year’s ACL injury. Speeding past two runners in the last 800 meters of her race, Major ended her season with her second-place time.

Striding with stamina, sophomore Kelsey Major strategically paces her run at the LHSAA State Cross Country Meet in Natchitoches on Nov.19, 2019. Major clinched the state-runner up title at state with a time of 19:09. Photo by Mrs. Nicky Wood

“She ran a smart race,” said Ms. Ciolino. “In the beginning, she let them pass her. However, in the last 800 meters, she passed the last two girls and secured a great time.”

In addition to Major’s accomplishment, senior Tessa Paul was recognized for making the LHSAA All Academic Composite Team.

In order to earn a spot on that team, Paul earned the required 4.0 to be honored at the LHSAA state event. Paul has been on the cross-country team all five years of her Dominican career, and she knows what it takes to work hard. “Putting effort in everything I did was not easy, but it helped,” said Paul.

Paul realizes how close she has become to her team over the years. “It definitely feels like being in a family. The support from coaches and teammates has made it all worthwhile,” said Paul.

Leading the Way – Senior Erin Sequeria sets a pace at the 2019 LHSAA State Cross Country Meet held in Natchitoches with freshman Roma McAlear following closely behind. “I was sad that this would be my last meet with the team, especially after putting in five years of hard work,” said Sequeira. “However, I’m also excited because to start of new adventures in college.” Photo by Mrs. Nicky Wood

With the team’s seniors graduating in the spring, Ms. Ciolino has many hopes for the young team. Their signature hard work will continue this summer in order to prepare for next season.

“Next season, I’ll be to working even harder,” said Major. “I’m extremely proud of myself  and my team. So, I’m even more motivated.”

  • Gloria Thomas

CategoriesSports