THE TURBO RANGER- Joshua Christopher
In any sports season, a certain level of work, discipline and a relentless mindset is required to achieve the goals that lie ahead. All that can be seen in the cross-country men and women teams, who kicked off their season at Cameron University recently.
They certainly handled business at their first meet, with the women ranked fourth and the men’s team taking first place. At the second meet last weekend, the men were first again and the women fifth.
One name people should start getting familiar with is Christian Franklin. A sophomore from Las Vegas, Nevada, Franklin approached this season with the right attitude. He clinched first place at the Aggie Duels meet with a time of 25:17, breaking the school record in the 8k race and earning him the title of GAC Runner of the Week.
Franklin shared: “I hold myself accountable to high expectations, breaking the school record is one of the many things I want to accomplish, and taking over the record, I felt that I’m moving forward in the right direction.”
With momentum from last week, Franklin and his team managed to secure another win in Joplin, Missouri on Sept.15. Franklin finished the race with a top-five placement, coming in fifth with a time of 27:46.44.
Franklin finds enjoyment in running and embraces the work that comes with it.
“What made me get into cross-country is the workload.,” he said. “Being able to gradually get faster and run longer is something that motivates me to keep going even when I don’t see an end. It makes me want to always keep pushing in all aspects.”
Based on the last two weeks, the bar is consistently being raised, not only for him but also for his team.
“My mindset going into this season is to build something from nothing and gather the right pieces to bring back a title,” he said.
His biggest motivation? “My friend, Frank,” he said.. “He’s someone I’ve always admired, and watching him grow over the years makes me so proud, and it encourage me to always do my best.”
Looking ahead, Franklin and his team are heading to Newton, Kansas, this Saturday for the Muthama-Rogers meet.