Kelly Wilson: Walk-on-turned-captain

As young as it is, the women’s cross country team needs a leader that embodies perseverance and determination.
Former-walk-on-turned-captain Kelly Wilson is that leader. Who better to display how far hard work can take you than an athlete who, prior to this year, didn’t even receive scholarship money?
Wilson is beginning her second season as captain. She and her coaches admit she’s not the fastest runner on the team, but assistant head coach Sarah Hesser called Wilson “a great example,” for some of the team’s younger members.
“The great thing about Kelly is she came in as a walk-on and was very under the radar and she’s built her way up through the system,” Hesser said. “She’s in the top-12 for cross country now, but she started on the ground level.”
Having a grounded perspective is something that is sometimes lacking from top-tier competitors who become captains based solely on their performance.
Wilson earned her way to captainship by striving to always be a good role model and by becoming somewhat of an unofficial program ambassador.
“[I try to] make sure the girls appreciate being a part of this program because it’s a top-notch program,” Wilson said.
Part of her role is to ensure her younger teammates are at ease with different situations they may be encountering for the first time.
For instance, in cross country the top 12 competitors generally travel to away meets and competitions. It’s an afterthought to most people, but getting on a plane as an 18-year-old to compete around the country can be intimidating.
Wilson is the kind of leader that provides guidance to athletes in that situation, simply because she’s been around the program for five years and understands standard protocol.
“She’s very approachable because she’s not an All-American and she doesn’t have the intimidation factor because of the times she runs,” Hesser said.
She added: “The members of the team recognize that it’s not just about being fast … sometimes those [types of athletes] make your best captains.”
Price earns Big Ten Runner of the Week

Steph Price was named Big Ten Women’s Cross Country Runner of the Week after winning the Oz Memorial on Friday.
Price also won the team’s intrasquad meet the weekend prior, en route to her first such honor.
Her victory at Oz Memorial was the first medalist finish in her career.
“Clearly she’s come in very, very prepared for the season,” assistant coach Sarah Hesser said.
The last Minnesota women’s runner to receive the award was Megan Duwell , who earned the honor Sept. 29, 2009.
With Duwell’s graduation, the program will lean heavily on Price this season.
“We’re going to try to close the gap between Steph and the rest of the team,” Hesser said. “Hopefully that will help out the team as we get closer to the Griak and pre-nationals.”