The Chart Online

Runner overcomes health issues
Tracy Hamilton

Staff Writer

Waking up every morning for early practice, eating a little breakfast, going to class, eating some lunch, followed by another two hour practice, supper and finishing homework is a typical day for women s cross-country runner Ashley Caffey.

Most athletes have strenuous workouts, with multiple practices each day, but somehow manage to attend class. Many, however, have trouble with remaining positive through his or her busy schedule. Ashley Caffey is in a different category. She is the type of person to work hard in practices, attend class everyday, all with an encouraging attitude and a smile on her face.

Teammate and roommate Emily Cassin, junior dental hygiene major, said, She is a very important part of the team and is constantly cheering us on. On the last interval (in practice), she is always pushing us to finish hard.

She is currently taking 17 hours and is planning on declaring her major in mass communications, possibly with an emphasis in broadcasting. She is an athlete, but follows the guidance of her parents that there is life after sports. She attends class everyday, whether or not she feels tired, stressed or that there are other important things to do. Ashley Caffey chooses to make school a priority rather than coming to Missouri Southern for athletics.

I think its important to do well in sports, but most of all, I want to get a good education, Caffey said.

The women s cross country team not only values her as a teammate, but also as a friend.

Her roommate and teammate Rachel Patterson, junior special education major, said, She is a lot of fun to be around and very easy-going.

She is just a very cool person, she said.

On the team, she is a huge asset as well.

Jen Noelken, junior English major said, She is a very supportive person. She never lets you give up, and in running that is extremely important because it would be so easy to quit.

Quitting would have been easy for Ashley Caffey to do last year. She faced some medical problems and was diagnosed with anemia during her season. Fortunately, she was able to overcome and persevere by staying with the team. Instead of giving into her condition, she chose to work hard this summer.

Head coach Patty Vavra said, She is a very tenacious girl and has come out really hard.

She has what it takes to go to a new level, she said.

Ashley hopes to do well at conference with her team and make a good showing at the regional meet coming up later in the season.