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Paladino Represents WVU at NCAAs
November 20, 2015 01:32 PM | Cross Country
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – To close the 2015 campaign, West Virginia University’s sophomore cross country runner Millie Paladino is ready to compete at her second consecutive NCAA Cross Country Championship on Saturday, Nov. 21, in Louisville, Kentucky. The 6k race will begin at noon at E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park.
“This is a wonderful experience for Millie,” said coach Sean Cleary. “A year ago Millie wasn’t near full strength when she entered this meet and was simply not ready for it. This year Millie has been improving each time she races and should be ready for a very strong showing. While we all would have wanted to be here as a full team, Millie's qualifying keeps West Virginia at the Championship and should help tremendously to bring the entire group back next year.”
West Virginia placed fifth at the 2015 NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional, totaling a team score of 134. Paladino’s first NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional race, she led the way for the Mountaineers, crossing the finish line in 11th place overall (21:16.2) to be one of four individuals selected from the Mid-Atlantic Region to compete at the 2015 NCAA Championship.
In addition to her top-15 finish, she was one of two Mountaineers to earn NCAA All-Mid-Atlantic Region honors.
The Morgantown, West Virginia, native is saddened that her team won’t be there to race with her, but one piece of advice from teammate senior Kelly Williams has helped encourage her.
“The best advice for this race was given to me by Kelly Williams,” said Paladino. “I was sad being the only one here at nationals, but she said not to worry about that. She said that I need to focus on my race, and it's my day to represent the team, WVU, and of course, myself and the runner I know I can be.”
Paladino appeared in her first NCAA Cross Country Championship as a freshman in 2014, when WVU qualified as a team and placed eighth. Paladino finished 210th overall, crossing the finish line in 22:01.3.
The WVU cross country team has a special bond. Multiple teammates have chosen to attend the national championship race to support Paladino. Paladino reflects on those who helped get her here, which eases her mind when it comes to competition.
“It's more of an honor than added pressure I think,” said Paladino. “It eases my mind to think about all the people that helped me get here, including my coach, my team, my family and not to mention, our trainer Casey Zimmerman. I hope to race well for all of those people.”
Paladino is excited to get the race underway and couldn’t be more honored to represent the Old Blue and Gold tomorrow.
“My overall thoughts as of today is just excitement! I’m blessed to be here, and I hope to race my best for my team and for WVU,” said Paladino. “My goal for tomorrow is first and foremost to have fun and enjoy the experience. I just want to have the race I know I’m capable of; whatever that may mean in terms of placement.”
Paladino is a fun and energetic student-athlete. Her drive is filled with determination, which will help her compete tomorrow. A fun fact to keep her stress free, is one that you wouldn’t expect.
“I play the ukulele! It’s a fun and easy way for me to express myself and relieve stress,” said Paladino.
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