By: James Barkley, staff writer
Since arriving at Wofford, Steelman has broken the school’s record for race time in her first race, posted the second-fastest time in her second race, and has earned two consecutive SoCon Runner of the Week awards, being only the third Wofford runner to earn this award and the first to ever win it twice.
While attending high school in Orono, Maine, Steelman won three state championships in cross-country and three state titles in track and field. Steelman was inspired by her brother to come to Wofford. He played basketball at Wofford and was a member of the Southern Conference Championship teams in 2010 and 2011.
According to Steelman, one of the obstacles that she faced by coming to Wofford was the change in running landscape. Steelman elaborates, “In Maine, you get a different terrain, so it’s definitely been an adjustment as far as that goes. Also, it’s more humid here, so the breathing is a lot different.” However, Steelman feels she has proven that this obstacle has not slowed her down.
In first collegiate race, Steelman finished as second overall in the 34th Eye Opener Invitational at the Roger Milliken Research Center. Commenting on the experience of competing in her first collegiate race, Steelman said, “I did not know what to expect. I didn’t really know where my legs were at that point. It was cool to get the experience of going into an event kind of blindsided, which made it that more exciting.”
Steelman recorded a race time of 17:37.5 at the 5k race, surpassing the previous school record of 18:06.00 that was set in 2013. Steelman makes it a point to stay humble despite her accomplishments, stating, “As much of an honor it is to win these awards, I’m still looking ahead. It’s one of those things I am proud of, but still hope to improve upon.”
In her second race at the Winthrop/Adidas Cross Country Invitational, Steelman almost broke the record again posting a time of 17:46.53. Steelman finished the 5K race as the first overall and contributed to a victory for the women’s team. Steelman then competed in the Asheville Cross Country Invitational, finishing first overall for her second straight meet. In the two-mile race, Steelman finished with a time of 10:51:21 and Wofford finished first overall.
According to Steelman, the women’s cross-country team has a great dynamic and continues to grow closer everyday. “We have the best times, we have the best laughs together, and it’s like a family,” Steelman states. The Terriers are currently preparing for the Southern Conference Championship, starting on Oct. 28.
