SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- "A place on possibilities." The first sentence to come from sophomore Patty Jo English when asked why she chose Augustana.
When English visited Augustana she was inspired by the women she met that bought into the student-athlete lifestyle.
"I got the sense that Augie cross country and track & field was more than a team, it was a family. And I was right."
Family oriented is tradition at Augustana, which makes it easier to work toward individual and team-driven goals.
"Augustana women's cross country is a team full of strong, independent women," English said. "Not only have the women on this team pushed me to become a better runner, but also a stronger person. I look forward to 3:15 p.m. everyday when I can meet up with my best friends and put in some work."
None of this would be possible without those leading the Augustana cross country and track & field distance squads: head coach Tracy Hellman and assistant coach Scott Tanis.
"Our coaches create an environment where everyone is welcome and no one is left behind," she said. "We work hard on the hard days and we take it easy on the easy days."
"One of the things I appreciate most about the Augustana cross country program is the emphasis put on the 'little' things: stretching, supplementals, lifting, nutrition and sleep. And the coaches have always emphasized how academics come first. We are encouraged to pursue excellence in academics in addition to athletics."
Although there is a lot of success on the national scale, academics is not pushed to the wayside.
"I specifically remember Scott and Tracy making it very clear on my recruiting visit that academics are a priority to everyone on the team," she said. "I remember noticing that right away and picked up on good academic habits within my first few weeks on campus."
"But the most notable thing about Augustana cross country is it's sense of community," English added. "From your first trip to team camp in the Black Hills to your final days as a fifth (or even now, sixth) year senior and beyond. This team is your family."
Family runs deep in the program. Patty Jo was able to share the uniqueness of being part of cross country and track & field.
"Last season, the national meet was in Sacramento and athletes from the Augie cross country and track & field teams made the 24-hour drive to show their support," the sophomore added. "That's how much people on this team mean to one another —we make sacrifices for each other. After spending 2 years on this team, I can positively say there is no other group of people that I would rather suffer through mile repeats with, road trip to races with, drink coffee, study or chat with than the women (and men) on this team."
"Choosing to be on the Augustana cross country (and track & field) teams has been the best decision I've ever made!"
--GoAugie.com--
