Angelique Mariana
Ringgold High School
Senior
White Oak

What advice would you give to someone who is new to cross country running?
Advice I would give to a new runner is you really have to trust in the process and learn to be mentally strong.  By being mentally strong you can learn to push yourself to do things you never thought.

How do you mentally push through fatigue and muscle soreness during a race?
Pushing through soreness during a race is not an easy thing, for me to get through it I think of my team.  I want to stay strong for them and be a good leader.  When I get to the point of fatigue I push through and remember my summer training.

Do you have a favorite cross-country memory or race?
One race that stands out to me is a race from my freshman year.  It was our first section meet of the year; my team was eager to win. As soon as the gun went off my team only had one thing on their minds, and that was to win the section title. This race was special to me because I set my first pr of the season, and I’ve never felt more passionate for this sport.

What are your goals for this cross-country season?
Individually my main goal is to qualify for the PIAA State meet, and my goal for the team is to place high at WPIAL’s.

What do you enjoy most about cross-country?
I enjoy the team aspect of the sport, the friends I’ve made, and no matter how good you get you will always have a goal to work towards.

How has cross-country running impacted your life outside the sport?
Cross country has impacted my life in many ways. It’s taught me discipline, given me a good work ethic and has reminded me to stay mentally strong.


Can you describe the bond and support you share with your coach? How does their guidance influence your running journey?
My coach always has a positive attitude, and she is a great person to talk to.  Because of my coach’s constant reassurance that I am capable of anything I put my mind to, I am motivated to run after high school.

Angelique is embarking on her senior year with determination and a bright outlook. She proudly claimed the title of Big South Champion this year and achieved a personal career record by finishing in 5th place at the Washington County Coaches Championship in under 21 minutes on the tough Mingo course. With her favorite course at White Oak Park for the WPIAL, Angelique has the potential to break the 20-minute mark, and I’m confident that she’ll show remarkable grit as she strives to secure her place at the PIAA Championships in Hershey Park this November.

Donate to NixonTFXC

Subscribe to NixonTFXC

• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Mail
• YouTube