Catching Up With Some College Stars
LG’s Iannelli at a ‘Career-Peak’ in Cross Country
A change in training is paying off for runner Brenna Iannelli.
After suffering knee problems competing in track and field, the La Grange High School graduate opted for a more guarded approach to the Texas Lutheran University cross country season. Through five meets this fall, the sophomore has posted personal bests in three distances, finishing among the top five Bulldogs in each. “I was coming from a more speed-based track season,” she said. “I slowly eased my way into it.” As a result, she said she is better able to handle longer workouts and higher-intensity shorter ones.
“I’m at a career peak for cross country,” she said, noting improvements in her stride pattern, breathing and heart rate.
“My pace is definitely a lot faster,” she said. “My stride steps are quite a bit longer.”
She was fifth among the Bulldogs in an Oct. 1 6K, nearly two minutes faster than her time in last year’s conference championship 6K, her lone event. She was fourth among the Bulldogs in a Sept. 23 5.5K.
Iannelli battled a knee condition in which inflammation built up under her patella. She had physical therapy and since has been vigilant about conditioning.
“I continue to pay attention to what my body tells me,” she said. “I still get a little bit of inflammation. It doesn’t cause near as much pain.” She expects to compete in various distances, 400 hurdles, pole vault and triple jump during the track seasons.
More women’s cross country Savannah College of Art and Design senior Montserrat De Santiago was the Sept. 19 SUN Conference runner of the week. The La Grange alumna was cited for placing third among 113 runners in the NAIA Pre-nationals Invitational 5K, leading her team.
Women’s volleyball Previously at Round Top-Carmine High, Ava Myers was the Sept. 26 Sooner Athletic Conference attacker of the week. The Southwestern Assemblies of God University senior was recognized for 24 kills, six digs and two aces against Oklahoma City, leading all players in kills, and for a team-high 12 kills and three blocks against Southwestern Christian.
Men’s basketball Schulenburg High graduate Alex Lozano is no longer playing for Victoria College. He played in eight games as a freshman last year.
Send updates about area athletes to Barbara Boxleitner at jdanddoc@gmail.com.