AURORA – In the sport of cross country, running in packs with teammates is important to a successful race. However, sophomore Carmen Solis was alone on an island on Saturday’s triangular meet with Naperville Central and Metea Valley.
on Saturday.
(photo credit / @pemcguire)
Due to injuries and schedule conflicts, Solis was the only representative for Waubonsie Valley in the varsity race. Without any help, she fought to finish 13th in a field of almost 40 competitors. Solis ran with a time of 20:56.50.
“When my coaches gave me the news that I was going to be the only one racing on varsity that day, I was in shock,” said Solis. “Once I came into the realization that I was going to be the only one competing in the race, I started to make a plan with the help of my coaches on a strategy to keep beating the girl in front of me. On the first loop was when I started to settle down and realize that I was the only one racing.”
“Running in a pack is really important in cross country because it motivates you to keep going with your group and set a pace with them. When you feel like you are falling down, your team will bring you back up to the place you should be at.”
Solis thanked her family and Warrior Nation for supporting her on Saturday’s race.
The Warriors compete in the Naperville Twilight Invitational on Friday before returning home for the DuPage Valley Conference meet.