University of Richmond Athletics
Taylor's Take: Our Season, My Story
09/08/2011 | Cross Country
Sept. 8, 2011
Editor's Note: Cross
country freshman and Richmond native Taylor Clevinger will share her thoughts
and experiences in an ongoing blog that offers readers an inside look into life
as a Spider on the course, in the classroom and around campus. Below is her third
entry of the season.
Another exciting week of many fun adventures has passed at the University of Richmond. We had our first meet - Spider Alumni Open - this past weekend, which was very exciting. It was my first collegiate race and the upperclassmen were there for the other freshmen and me to help ease all of our nervous jitters and pre-race excitement. They really helped show us the ropes.
I'm not going to lie, it felt funny putting on a Richmond jersey rather than a St. Catherine's (my high school) jersey, but it was a great feeling to be competing as a Spider for the first time! The race was held at the Collegiate School's athletic complex, and we raced cross country there many times when I was in high school. The course brought back lots of good memories from high school cross country, which made me feel more relaxed.
It was also just a fun meet in general because many alumni came to race and there were a lot of hometown fans. Also to surprise me, one of my previous coaches and a couple of teammates from St. Catherine's came to watch the meet and cheer us on. It was really cool to see parents, family members, locals and friends come out to support our team. It really meant a lot to all of us.
Then, at the end of the day, we walked away with a win over William and Mary, Old Dominion and the Spider Alumni women! I want to give a shout out to Steph Paradis because she ran an awesome race and won.
The men also did very well, but unfortunately came in a close second to William and Mary. (Jason) Skipper and (Chris) York almost caught the W&M guy at the end, but next time they'll have him. Overall, the meet was a blast, and it's truly a great time to be a spider!
After the meet I was able to go home and spend the day with my family about 30 minutes outside of Richmond. I also got to see my dog, Lexi, who I have missed a lot. It was nice to be home for the day and spend time with my family, while still being able to make it back to campus in enough time to catch a long run with some of my teammates.
My classes are still going pretty well, too. They have definitely kept me busy with homework and assignments, but I really do enjoy going to class because it seems like there's something new and exciting every time. Whether it's Biology (Neurons, Genes and Behavior) or my First Year Seminar called "Food For Thought", there is something that catches my attention in every class.
Training has also been going well, and the team is
consistently looking stronger with every passing day. I can't wait for the
William and Mary Invitational on Sept. 17! GO SPIDERS!
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