Staff Writer
If there was one constant for the San Diego State cross countryteam this season, it was its inconsistency.
Heading into the year, a theme of continual improvement was echoedto the team by assistant coach Jennifer Nanista. Coming off a 1999season in which it rode the coattails of standout Sophia Hawker, theteam needed to establish its own identity.
For one defining meet in Hawaii, SDSU did that. All runners hadcrossed the finish line, and for the first time in 13 years theAztecs were victorious.
Defining moments had eluded SDSU in the past. As a program, it hadbeen unable to compete with the upper echelon of Division I programs.Finally, after 13 years, the Aztecs had a victory all their own.
“The high point this season was winning the Hawaii Invitational,”said Nanista.
The runners enjoyed the fruits of their labor.
“I really enjoyed Hawaii,” said sophomore Kylie Edwards. “We wonand had a lot of fun.”
The gem in Hawaii went a long way toward pushing the team in theright direction. However, it did not cure the inevitableinconsistency rooted deep in the core of the cross country program.
One week later, the Aztecs followed with a sub-par performance atthe Stanford Invitational. Afterward, head coach Rahn Sheffieldberated the team, questioning its heart and determination.
“We need to get a little more gutsy,” Nanista said. “I wouldreally like to see the girls not settle for middle of the packresults.”
No one ever questioned Sophia Hawker’s guts. The senior wasexpected to dominate opponents much like she had done the previousyear. Unfortunately, situations dictated a consistent yetunspectacular performance.
Achilles problems and illness plagued Hawker during the season,but her four years as an Aztec did not go unnoticed.
“Sophia has taken this program to a different level,” saidNanista. “She’s been the one who put our team on the map. She’s beena very consistent runner. I’d love to have 10 girls like her.”
SDSU will head into next season very young. No seniors will be ona team striving for a solid performance week in and week out. Severalrunners including Edwards, Jennifer Stakiw and sophomore AliciaStewart will be expected to fill the void left by Hawker.
“It’s a big spot to fill,” Stewart said. “Sophia was always areally good leader. She always pushed all of us.”
Edwards, in her first season of cross country, improved steadilythroughout the year. She paced the team during the final few weeks ofthe season and vied for top honors weekly.
The lone Aztec runner to finish in the top-100 (69) at the NCAAWestern Regional, Edwards will now be looked upon to lead the team.The soft spoken Australian considers herself more of a track runner,yet Nanista points to her as a difference maker.
“We’re making strides,” Nanista said. “We need to get gutsy andmake things happen. We need to run and go for it. If you die, youdie. But what if you don’t?”
Check back this time next year for the answer.
