Emma Stutzman, a senior at Pomona High and four-time top-10 competitor at the Colorado Class 5A state final including runner-up this year, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to discuss returning Nov. 19 to Arizona to enter the girls championship race at NXR Southwest at Coyote Run Golf Course at Leisure World in Mesa. Stutzman won her medium schools competition in 18:01.1 last year at the event at Shalimar Country Club in Tempe, but is a leading contender this season to advance to Nike Cross Nationals on Dec. 3 at Glendoveer Golf Course in Portland. She reflects on the Class 5A state championship race Oct. 29 at Norris-Penrose Events Center in Colorado Springs and clocking 17:23.6 to finish second behind senior Brooke Wilson of Valor Christian, who ran the all-time record on the 5-kilometer layout with her 16:59.17 performance. Stutzman revisits her breakthrough victory Sept. 10 at the Liberty Invitational at Heritage High, clocking 16:44.0 on the 5-kilometer course, and racing a limited regular-season schedule in preparation for a significant postseason run. She explains how meaningful the opportunities have been to compete with her teammates and how much Stutzman will cherish having them with her in Arizona. Stutzman expresses gratitude for Pomona coach John Swartz and his guidance throughout her career, in addition to his commitment and dedication to finding elite racing opportunities for his top athletes around the country. She analyzes how valuable the experiences were in June racing at Nike Outdoor Nationals and what her 10:17.32 performance in the 2-mile final, helping Stutzman earn All-America honors, indicated about her cross country potential this fall. Stutzman speaks about her family legacy of service in the United States and how important patriotism is to her, and the inspiration she has gained throughout her running career from Louis Zamperini and the perseverance and resilience he demonstrated.

WATCH NXR SOUTHWEST ON RUNNERSPACE