February 3, 2010

VC's Champion to run at Rio Grande

Rio Grande --- The University of Rio Grande RedStorm women's cross country and track and field squads landed their first recruit of the 2010-11 season with the signing of Vinton County High School's Scharlena Champion to a national letter of intent.

"I'm excited about running with Rio," said Champion following her signing. "I feel honored to be able to run with them next season."

"The university is close to home and I feel that I will fit in good with the team, running-wise," Champion added.

Rio Grande head coach Bob Willey is pleased to have Champion in the fold and sees her as an asset to the program. "We're thrilled to have her," Willey said. "She's very enthusiastic about running and that comes through and she is one of those people who can come in and be a very good student, she'll be able to help us out immediately," Willey said. 

"I expect a lot of good things from her not only in the classroom, but also in both cross and track," Willey added. "She gives us depth in cross country, which is a plus and we think she'll be a good fit with our program."

The enthusiasm mentioned by Coach Willey is an aspect that Champion sees as her strength in running. "My best asset is my enthusiasm before races and at practice," she said. 

Champion is the daughter of Michael and Susan Champion of Hamden and she plans to major in chemistry and sociology.

The Vinton County product talked about what she wants to accomplish as a runner at Rio Grande. "My ultimate goal is to try to be the number one runner on the team," she said.

She is the first recruit by either program for the 2010-11 academic year.