Honors continue to pour in for Michelle Sanchez as she is named NJCAA Female 'Runner of the Week'
Butler Cross Country runner Michelle Sanchez was named National Junior College Athletic Association Female 'Runner of the Week' after her blistering performance at the Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival this past weekend announced the national office Wednesday afternoon.
"I never thought I would be here being named national runner of the week," said sophomore Michelle Sanchez upon hearing the news, "but this is just the start for me. I still have a lot left in me to let out. Big things are coming."
Sanchez was named the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Female 'Runner of the Week' for the second time this season on Tuesday prior to being recognized at the national level on Wednesday.
"While recruiting Michelle, I (Mettler) knew she could be a great runner, but she has blasted right through my expectations and raised the bar on what she can do," mentioned head cross country coach Dustin Mettler.
The Junction City native was three seconds shy of her personal best on Saturday in the Women's 5K but it didn't stop her from finishing as the top two-year finisher in (race 2) and 14th overall out of field of 351 runners from all levels and divisions.
"Everyone sees her running fast on Saturday's and in the meets but only a select few get to witness behind the scenes and the work that goes into her success. Early morning workouts, countless miles and hours of core work is paying off. Michelle shows no sign of letting of the gas pedal," commented Mettler.
Sanchez joins soccer's Lexi Winkle as the two athletes named NJCAA 'Athlete of the Week' so far this year for the Grizzlies.