MIAMI GARDENS, Fla (November 2, 2023) - On November 4th, 2023, St. Thomas University's Cross Country Teams are competing in the 2023 NAIA Sun Conference XC Championships. This event marks the end of their regular season, and both individual and team goals are at an all-time high. We had the opportunity to
speak with two of the team's impressive athletes, Emily Holzer and Roger Reyes, who shared
their insights on the season, their goals, and how they mentally prepare for a race of this
magnitude.

Emily Holzer, a Senior, has had quite made quite an impact this year. Reflecting on her
performance, Holzer acknowledged that the regular season has brought both highlights and
challenges. "My regular season has gone differently than I thought it would, she said. "I've been
reflecting on the fact that this is my last season and trying to make every moment count. Some
highlights of the season include gaining great teammates and achieving a Personal Record (PR).
Some challenges for me were staying positive even when some races were harder than others and
overcoming pre-race anxiety."

For Holzer, this final race holds special significance. She expressed her personal goals for the
meet, saying, "My goal is to achieve a PR from my last 6k time and to leave everything out there
on the course. Since it's my last race, I want to feel like I gave everything I could after I finish.
Roger Reyes, a graduate student, emphasized the importance of adaptation throughout the
season. Reyes explained that sometimes, XC athletes need to adjust their schedule or training
plan in order to get the most out of the season—which Reyes has. Reyes'season is impressive,
bringing with it a school record in the 5K. This weekend Reyes hopes to win individual first
place at conference and make it to nationals.

During their interviews, both athletes continued to circle back to the idea of "finishing as a
team". They both highlighted that St. Thomas XC focuses on team accountability, while
encouraging everyone to hit their marks and finish every race, practice, or time trial strong.
As the St. Thomas University XC Team readies themselves for The Sun Conference
Championships, the determination and dedication of all the athletes serves as an inspiration.
Holzer and Reyes' wisdom and experience echo the journey that the entire team has embarked on
throughout the season.

Please support the Bobcats in the 2023 NAIA Sun Conference XC Championships!

Most Recent Stats/Finish (Ave Maria Pre. Meet on Oct. 7, 2023)

Mens
Roger Reyes – 3rd (27:05.0)
Osvaldo Cruz – 26th (29:53.6)
Jabes Jimenez – 30th (30:23.1)
Jamari Benjamin – 34th (30:32.3)
Christopher Reid – 35th (30:40.7)
Alain Bermudez – 42nd (31:13.2)
Joshua Anderson – 65th (34:31.2)
Alejandro Duenas – 69th (36:10.8)
Chance Ignacio-Suarez – 70th (36:13.5)

Womens
Isabella Marty – 3rd (25:09.5)
Emily Holzer – 26th (26:11.5)
Jada Blackheart– 30th (30:45.3)
Wislande Pierre-Louis – 35th (33:05.7)
Christian Pommells – 34th (34:33.8)