Female Athlete of the Week-Rachel Rusche

RedTail cross country runner Rachel Rusche has been named Scheels Female Athlete of the Week for her performance in the Seminole Valley Stampede at Mount Mercy University on Saturday, October 8.

Rachel started the season with a debut time of 26:32.70; however, had to put the season on hold after dealing with some medical issues that made running extremely difficult. She has brought positivity to every practice and every meet. Fast forward to the Seminole Valley Stampede, she marked a new lifetime personal best of 22:59.90, breaking the pivotal 23:00 mark.

"Rachel has been an absolute blessing to have on the team," said coach Hunter Lavallee. "She lights up a room with her positive energy, support, and general love for those around her. She has become an inspiration to her teammates, coaches, and competitors. Rachel will not be stopped, not be ignored, and not be discouraged. She has become the leader that every team would be blessed to have. With the progression she has shown to this point, and with the new names joining the ranks; we are looking forward to defend the Region XI title towards the end of the month."

"My performance at the last meet was the best that I have ever done, it was my PR," said Rachel. "I felt really great while running the XC meet. My breathing was under control, my legs had no soreness, and I was mentally prepared to give it my all no matter the cost. I hope to keep improving my time and pushing my body to its limits. I don't want to be known as the best runner, but as the best teammate and a really hard worker. I'm so excited to be running with more girls in the upcoming weeks and to score as a team."

Rusche is originally from Sibley, Iowa.