September 27, 2024.
A cloudy morning gives way to clear, blue skies. The breeze freshens. Trees, native grasses, and fescue line the course. Sway invitingly. Temperatures reach 22C. A firm, fast, undulating track further ensures perfect conditions for racing.
Welcome to the Nuttycombe, a “big deal,” a pressure cooker, in every way. Indeed,
the annual Wisconsin event is widely regarded as the most prestigious collegiate
Cross-Country competition outside the actual NCAA championships.
A large and enthusiastic crowd gathers. Thousands more watch, via webstream, as
some 200 athletes, each representing high quality university programs, take on a
historic and challenging venue.
The Women go first. Over 6 grueling kilometers, battle for individual glory.
Teams seek coveted national ranking points. Various media pundits identify certain
individuals and schools as favourites. Give a handful of others an outside chance.
The race begins.
From the start line at one end of an open field, runners jockey for position over the
first 400 meters. Angle for an advantageous position in the main pack. Then
disappear momentarily among the trees.
To my surprise, an aerial shot indicates some early and unexpected separation
between a small group up front and the large bunch chasing. Still, with bodies for
the most part jammed together as in a cycling peloton, it is difficult to separate one
runner from another.
2 kms complete. The leader sports red shorts, white top, wears bib 74. Graceful, and powerful, she moves clear. 20 meters behind, blue shorts, white top, orange ribbon in a ponytail, lurks bib 276.
A kilometer later, it looks increasingly like a two-horse race. The pack starts to string out, still some way back. 276 closes the gap, shadows 74. Now just a step behind, hovering, ready to strike. Both appear to love an aggressive pace.
At the 4.2 km mark, 276 attacks. Displaying impressive aerobic strength, powers into first position with a burst of energy. 74 struggles to match the sudden move. Like a bike racer unable to maintain position in an opponent’s slip stream, she quickly loses contact. Suddenly trails by 20 meters, then 30, then 40.
For 276, the remainder of the race is a coronation. Certain to win, well clear,
running smoothly and confidently. The hint of a smile. While, on the final, gentle
climb to the finish, she gets to experience the rarest of feelings, namely victory
while it happens.
It is the biggest win of her career, a decisive eight second margin over her closest pursuer. Finishing in 19.55.7, the only competitor to break 20 minutes. For many observers, an unexpected champion. Nonetheless, for 276, a breakout performance and huge confidence booster. A stellar start to the season, quite literally running away from an elite field.
I listen carefully to her post race interviews. She “loves the course” and looks
forward to competing on it again in November at Nationals. Even if conditions will
likely be cold and snowy.
Best of all, I am immediately struck by her humility. She is deservedly beaming,
but her messages and comments remain on point. Themes include consistency,
hard work, time invested, and support. She references regularly the critical guidance and feedback of her coaches and teammates. The backing of her university. And clearly means it.
Best of all, she strikes a chord with fellow competitors, coaches and fans who
closely follow the sport. Maybe most importantly with young girls, given her
advice to set big goals and chase dreams. If the subsequent flurry of action on her
social media account is any indication, the words sink in.
Accolades soon follow. 276 is named NCAA Cross-Country Athlete of the Week,
Big East conference Cross-Country Athlete of the Week. Never mind Big East
Athlete of the Week for all sports. Likewise, her school moves back into the
national rankings.
I know the awards, success and notoriety will not go to her head. Already she is back training and preparing. Looking forward to upcoming meets and the challenges they will offer.
276 does have a name. She is Sadie Sigfstead. She runs for Villanova University.
I am a huge fan, unapologetically so.
After all, she is my niece.
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