Photo Provided by Photorun for Champs Sports Cross Country
Alyssa Sauro, right, crosses the finish line in ninth place behind Allie Zealand at Saturday’s Champs Sports Cross Country Championship in San Diego.
PARKERSBURG — The trip to California and Balboa Park’s Morley Field for the Champs Sports Cross Country Championships in San Diego turned out better than expected for Williamstown sophomore standout Alyssa Sauro.
Although Colorado commit Karrie Baloga of Cornwall Central High School in New York clocked in with a winning time of 16 minutes and 49 seconds on the 5K course, the Yellowjacket earned second team All-American accolades after crossing in 17 minutes and 39 seconds, which was good for ninth place.
“It’s pretty hilly there,” Sauro said of the course as she competed Saturday morning in a field of 40.
“One big hill you have to do twice. It’s kind of like a figure eight loop. The rest there are some gradual hills throughout the course.”
Going into the meet Sauro admitted, “I was hoping to not get last place. I just like getting in the 30 through 40.
“I did a lot better than I was hoping to. I just like to race and see what I can do and just focus on my effort instead of time.”
Sauro was able to execute her plan and stay within herself against an elite field.
“I would say I was about like in 20th place toward the beginning,” said the Yellowjacket. “It wasn’t too fast of a start.
“It was kind of right where I wanted to be and I kept picking off girls throughout the race.”
When the WHS thinclad is competing in the Mountain State she’s usually the one leading the pack.
Racing against the best in the country offers her a different perspective and has allowed her to grow as a runner.
“I definitely learned a lot that I can stick with the front group and that I don’t need to be shy and I can race at the top pack,” Sauro added.
“I just wanted to stick with a couple girls from my team. Throughout the race I felt pretty good. I just made my move through the whole thing.”
Sauro, who is flying back Sunday, said they had a run with some pros, “it was real cool to see what they were like” and had dinner Thursday evening before walking the course on Friday.
“The experience was great. I loved meeting new girls and I made a lot more friends through this entire process. I’m just thankful to be here,” Sauro continued. “We got a lot of gear, T-shirts, jackets, sweatpants.
“There’s a lot of new things I really like and I’m excited to wear it. It was really great to be here. I’m really thankful my family brought me here. I’m really thankful to be here with the girls and my family.”
This was the 43rd edition of the championships, which were formerly known as the Kinney Nationals, Foot Locker Nationals and Eastbay Nationals.
Contact Jay Bennett at jbennett@newsandsentinel.com
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