Kate Bowman

Past Entries

Entry 1

Entry 2

November 19, 2005

(Nov. 19) 11th place at Nationals!  Southeast Regional champions!  What a great end to a wonderful season.  We showed the ranking polls what we knew to be true--that they had underestimated us all season long.  We also proved to some perennial national cross country powers that we can hold our own with the best. 

Only Amy DiBianca and Caroline Hagedorn had run at the NCAA National Championships before.  For the rest of our team, it was a first, and an exciting, adrenaline-filled experience.  We were told that cross country nationals is unlike any race we have ever run in—more people racing, more fans lining the course, more excitement, more pushing and shoving, and a faster pace.  I expected a unique experience but I was honestly not fully prepared for what was to come. 

Those of you that run or have run cross country know that it is not a glamorous or spectator-friendly sport.  We’re lucky if family and friends come out to watch, and even when they do they only see us for brief seconds as we run by.  Most of the race you run alone, through trees, and up and down hills.  You see no one but your teammates and competitors; occasionally you see Coach, arms flailing, yelling at mile markers to speed up and catch the person ahead.  To say that cross country runners do not do it for the glory or fan support is an understatement.  We push ourselves because we enjoy the individual and team pursuit and the lifestyle that accompanies it.

Cross country nationals is a completely different story.  When the starting gun was fired, I felt like I’d entered into an entirely different sport.  The atmosphere reminded me of the Tour de France.  Thousands of fans lined every single part of the course, shoulder to shoulder, and sometimes five people deep.  Team mascots and fans with posters, banners, flags, and body paint, ran through the crowds.  The noise was constant and deafening.  We were always surrounded by dozens of other runners throughout the race; the difference between ten finishing spots could be as little as one second.  The excitement and energy of the day was truly a wonderful experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.  I am honored to have been a part of it, and I am proud of our team and how we represented Emory University.  At the very least, the excitement and prestige of the race got our entire team to wear buns at the same time.

Thanks to all the parents who traveled and supported us for this race.  They are so enthusiastic and vocal that my teammates and I often heard them cheer for us through the crowds at nationals—no small feat.  Also, thanks to Coach Curtin for successfully guiding and encouraging us throughout the season.  And most importantly, thanks to the amazing ladies of Emory cross country.  The girls on this team are some of the most fun, supportive, hard-working, and smart people you will ever meet.  Next time you see them, ask about the Full Body Club.  And the N-d K.  And why Caroline will eventually drive Coach Curtin away from coaching women.  And why you need to watch out for dumpsters and car side mirrors.  And why seamless is best. 

Go Eagles! 

Kate Bowman is a senior from Austin, Texas. She would love to answer e-mail questions from Emory recruits and fans.