FULLERTON, Calif. -- Mirin Fader of the Orange County Register talked with Cal State Fullerton cross country runner Samantha Huerta about her journey into becoming one of the premiere runners on this year's squad.
Read and excerpt from the story below and click on the link to read the full story on the OC Register's website.
By Mirin Fader | Full Story
Samantha Huerta recites each word by heart. Sitting in the stands overlooking Cal State Fullerton's track, the freshman runner holds up her left forearm, revealing a tattoo: "James 1:12."
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial," Huerta begins, "because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
Her teammates on the Titan cross-country team don't know why that passage speaks to her. They just know she can run.
Fast.
John Elders, in his 29th season as the head coach of Titan cross country and track, says that Huerta is one of his best freshmen in the last 5 to 10 years.
Earlier this month, she was the Titans' top finisher (third) in the Mark Covert Classic in the 5,000-meter run with a time of 18:12.87, helping the women win the race for the first time since 2007.
Here, on the track, Huerta shines. Here, she is free. Here, she doesn't have to think about the things she has been running from.
Read the rest of the story by clicking here.