Oct 9th – The Sojourn’s Athlete of the Week, presented by Amplify Media, is Elizabeth Barrett from the #14-nationally ranked Indiana Wesleyan Women’s Cross Country team.
Barrett, a junior, is a Fishers, IN native as well as a Fishers HS graduate.
“[Coming to IWU] was kind of an answered prayer for me,” Barrett said. “I went on a visit here and talked with our old Coach, Coach Sarah, and she talked to us about our running-free motto that we live by, and I was intrigued by that.”
Barrett has led the Wildcats in both meets so far. She sees her running as far more than just running.
“Our motto of running free is something we live by. What we mean by that is running free from comparison, running free from pride, running for the wrong reasons and just remembering why we’re here and why we’re running,” Barrett said. “Giving all the glory back to God is what we really strive for.”
In his first season as Head Coach, Brody Beiler has brought a new perspective to the Wildcat cross country program as well as D1 coaching experience.
“Elizabeth, on and off the course, radiates joy, walks with humility and always has an eye out for someone who she can encourage,” Coach Beiler said. “When the gun goes off, you know Elizabeth is going to race with her whole heart from start to finish. When she crosses the line, she is quick to encourage others on their race rather than fixate on the outcome of her own.”
At the only home Wildcat race, the Twilight Invitational, Barrett led the Wildcats to 3rd place team finish as she finished 6th overall.
“Not just in times or running, but just in our faith journey too. Learning to rely on each other more spiritually and academically that’s just where our growth comes,” Barrett said. “Without [our team], I don’t think we would learn how to authentically worship Christ, which is such a blessing and I’m so grateful.”
Teammate Cadence Traylor has also seen much success on the course and points out the leadership Barrett carries to the team.
“Elizabeth has been such a great role model of a Godly woman that puts her identity, not in running, but in her relationship with Christ and the person she is as a Christian,” Traylor said. “She shows us how to love Christ well and run well at the same time.”
At the most recent meet, the Gans Creek Classic in Columbia, Mo, Barrett led the way finishing 23rd, as the Wildcats finished 5th overall.
“Elizabeth leads with a Philippians 2 servant’s heart, imitating Christ’s humility,” Coach Beiler said. “Although we are all far from perfect, Elizabeth continually strives to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility, values the interest of others above herself.”
Coach Beiler and Barrett’s teammates see her as a leader both on and off the course.
“The joy of the Lord is Elizabeth’s strength,” Coach Beiler said. “Regardless of circumstances, Elizabeth has modeled being content to the extent of joy in any situation.”
The Wildcats have two more regular season meets before the Crossroads League Championship and the NAIA National Championship. Up next is the Ray Bullock Invitational at Taylor University on Oct. 11.
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