Women's Cross Country | 3/21/2015 4:01:00 PM
ROCHESTER, NY – Past and present members of the RIT women's cross country and track and field squads will embark on a 1,400-mile- non-stop relay from Auburn, Alabama to Rochester. "The Tiger Trail" will be an eight-day endeavor that starts Saturday, March 21. They are the first female group on campus to attempt this incredible journey.
The trip will help raise funds and bring awareness to make a positive impact on the tiger conservation through the Tigers for Tigers coalition. The T4T organization associates tiger mascot pride with the tigers of the wild and establish passion out of student leaders for the conservation.
Here are some questions and answers from a interview with the participating members:
- Why is this event so important to you?
"The RIT women's cross country team has grown significantly since it's creation and I'm proud to continue to be apart of it's emerging tradition." - former runner Trisha Byler, who also was a part of RIT's Coast-to-Coast run that celebrated the university's 175th anniversary in 2004.
"We are running or a reason which I am proud to represent. Not only for Tigers but for all women in athletics and this run is going to inspire!" -
Keira Higgins (Schenevus, NY/Milford) - What are you looking forward to most about the run?
"I am looking forward to spending time with old friends and meeting some new girls from the current team as well as the challenge this run will bring." -
Ashley Shaheen (Baldwinsville, NY/C.W. Baker) "I am also looing forward to meeting the challenge head on and bring afraid, but conquering myself." –
Erin Bucci (Jim Thorpe, PA/Jim Thorpe) - What do you think some of the hardest challenges for you will be? What will the challenges for the group be?
"For me, I think that the hardest challenge will be getting out of bed in the middle of the night to go run. For the team, I think we will miss the conveniences of a home, such as daily showers." –
Kelly Weiskittel (Walden, NY/Valley Central) "Adjusting to the monotony of being on the road and staying mentally tough in spite of many, many miles. The miles will be hard and keeping everyone upbeat is important." –
Kaylin Beiter (Lima, NY/Honeoye Falls-Lima) - How did you get involved with the group and why did you decide to participate?
"I was asked to participate as I'm a high mileage alumni and decided to participate to show these old legs are still strong." – Trish Byler
"Ever since I was a freshman in college (which was four years ago), as a team we would watch the Coast to Coast run and every year we would be in awe and admiration for the 2004 men's team and what they accomplished. We would always say, "Wouldn't that be cool to do something like that as a women's cross country group?" It wasn't until last year that we made that dream a reality." –
Alicia Sutphin (Apalachin, NY/Vestal) - Why is it important to you that this is a Tigers for Tigers event?
"The tiger is one of the most powerful and fierce animals, and is crucial to maintaining ecological balance and environmental stability. As a team and as a university, we collectively identify and are inspired by the tiger, and being able to give back is an exciting and empowering opportunity!" –
Jeriann Beiter (Lima, NY/Honeoye Falls-Lima) "Athletes share a special bond with their mascots, and ours is the tiger. It is on every piece of clothing, pamphlet, and website of RIT but there is little connection to the tiger in the wild. The tiger will be extinct in a few decades if the plight of the tiger continues on its path. Small steps (in the most literal sense) will hopefully spread awareness." –
Danielle Marino (Saratoga Springs, NY/Saratoga Springs) - Additional comments.
All of the girls wanted to thank
Kaylin Beiter (Lima, NY/Honeoye Falls-Lima) for all of her efforts to keep the Tiger Trail possible although all of the obstacles.
"Thank you to everyone who has believed in us and helped us stay strong throughout this entire planning process. Please keep us in your prayers as we embark, that we may stay safe and healthy!" –
Kaylin Beiter (Lima, NY/Honeoye Falls-Lima)
