Despite only having six runners, Rose-Hulman’s women’s cross country squad was a top contender for the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference’s (HCAC) cross country championship. Leading the effort was junior chemical engineering major Melissa Rogers. Last weekend, she not only finished in front of all of her teammates, but also in front of all the women in the HCAC as the best female cross country runner in the conference with a time of 23:32, 20 seconds in front of the second place finisher.
With her first place finish, Rogers becomes the first cross country conference champion in school history. Being only a junior, Rogers has another year for improvement and an opportunity to claim the top spot again next year.
Melissa Rogers took the time to answer some questions for the Thorn.
Rose Thorn: How long have you been running track and cross-country?
Melissa Rogers: I started running in 8th grade. I went out for soccer in 7th grade and was the only girl. The boys were all better than me, except for the sprint drills when I beat them all. So I decided that I would stick to running.
RT: Last weekend, you finished first the women’s HCAC cross-country meet. How does it feel to be the best in the conference?
MR: I was in shock for a while, but now it feels great. I had been nervous for a long time because the five girls that beat me last year all graduated.
RT: After finishing first this season and being only a junior this year, what is your plan to defend that spot next year?
MR: I plan on training really hard over the summer and eating better. I also want to run more hill workouts.
RT: You have steadily improved your time over the past couple years. What do you do to keep getting better and better?
MR: Coach Cole has made the workouts more difficult every year and my times keep improving. I started training with some of the men’s team during my freshmen year and that has really helped me get faster too.
RT: Some people consider long distance running boring. What is it about cross country that appeals to you?
MR: For me, running is the best way to get rid of stress. I could be having a really bad day, but after practice I always feel better.
RT: What’s the most meaningful award or recognition that you’ve received?
MR: My senior year in high school I received State Honorable Mention First Team in cross country.
RT: How has participating in a varsity sport had an effect on your experience at Rose?
MR: Cross country and track are two of my favorite parts of Rose. I have a network of friends and training partners.
RT: Do you have any plans on staying involved in long distance running after Rose?
MR: I plan on getting a dog that will run with me every day.