Dos Pueblos’ Christina Rice
Emerging as one of Dos Pueblos’ fastest varsity cross country runners this fall, sophomore Christina Rice has done it one step at a time.
“I’ve really been trying to stick to the plan and do every workout completely and as hard as I can. Not really focusing on the next day but just getting through each workout,” Rice explained.
“It seems to be working.”
The results have included third-place finishes at the Santa Barbara County Championships and at the most recent Channel League Meet in Ventura.
She’s been gaining experience with how to feel out a race before making her move.
“It’s usually hard for me the first mile because I like to be patient and not go out too fast,” Rice says. “It’s kind of hard because I don’t want to get too much distance from the front pack, and then I like to just slowly pick off people as it goes on. In the last mile, half-mile, I just like to go and try and get those last couple of people.”
She’ll put the strategy to use for the Chargers in CIF as Dos Pueblos travels to Mt. SAC for Prelims.
Cross country coach Kyle Visin said she’s been a great student of the sport.
“We’ve actually worked a lot to correct her form from last year,” Visin noted. “She had a lot of work to do on biomechanics, so what we did was turn her into a much more graceful runner, like really focusing on technique and making sure she’s very efficient.”
Find past High School Runners of the Month HERE
The High School Runner of the Month award recognizes local prep runners that exemplify the term “Student-Athlete” by demonstrating leadership, passion and excellence in high school athletics. The annual campaign recognizes athletes from March through November.
Thanks to Santa Barbara Running Company for making this award possible and for supporting local athletes.
