Righter looked upon to lead

September 14, 1993
Originally published by The Daily Collegian (Fresno State)

The responsibility of being a returning veteran on a relatively young team is an unenviable task in most any sport. The elder has to take on this task by setting the standard for the team. This person has to get there early, leave late and set the example, even when least desired. Such is true "team above self."

Because if this person doesn’t, no one will do it. And, it’s very likely that someone will do it. That does not bode well for the team.

The responsibility for the 1993 Bulldog women’s track team goes to Noelle Righter. She was named team co-captain last week along with Ann Burris.

Righter is one of three seniors to return. Burris and Christine Ganger join Righter.

A large majority of the FSU cross country team’s careers have barely been unwrapped.

"I think that I can help (the young group) by giving them sound advice on what to expect in track at this level," says Righter, a 5’6", 123 lb. runner in her third FSU year. "What we’ll experience, what we’ll encounter, and the competition (at Division I) is not easy to get used to. I’ll give them encouragement and let them know what’s coming. I’ll try to keep their heads up when they get down."

That might occur with regularity this season, given the prospects that the Bulldogs have been given in the WAC. A team that has the least proven talent is usuall given the least chance to survive in a dog-eat-dog competition.

"Noelle’s ability to provide leadership can spark our young people, and will be the key to improving," says head coach Red Estes.

Estes says Righter can return from last year’s injury-plagued season and a wiped-out 1991.

"She’s stayed injury-free so far this year and she’s well in tune with her body--knowing what she can do and can’t do. Noelle should have a pretty good year."

"She’s doing a good job keeping the team together and keeping them in a pack," Estes adds.

Righter says the closeness of this team is something that should help the Bulldogs in ’93.

"If our team is bonded and we keep pushing each other, we can move up," she said.

Last weekend, Righter placed 23rd as FSU ran the Jammin’ Cross Country Invitational. That was good enough to break the tape at 19:30 and be the Bulldogs’ No. 5 runner.

"Running together is what we tried to do," says Righter. "We were more conservative and helped our slower runners be more aggressive. A lot of our runners placed higher in the race than they would if we didn’t run as a team."

"If you’re getting 18-19 minute times this early in the season, you’re doing a pretty reasonable showing," Righter says.

Righter also wants to tell those who are painting a bleak picture for FSU cross country this season: We aren’t slouches.

"We may be young and inexperienced, but there’s no rule that says we can’t at least be competitive. This hasn’t been a rebuilding year. We’re surpassing that."

Says Estes: "Her role on this team is to be a tough leader, take the pressure and make sure her teammates thrive. And we’re seeing that she has responded. People are relying on her to do that."

The top four women’s runners last year--Dina Farage, Eva Belt, Evelyn Martino, and Shannon Lieder--have all graduated, which leaves Righter as a rock of stability.

"I feel lucky this year that I haven’t had any problems. I’m being conservative enough to save my legs at times. Experience just tells you when to ease up and when to push yourself," says Righter.

Righter has one season of track remaining, but this will be her final cross country season.

"I hope to make it my best," Righter says. "I’ll miss it next year, and I’ll try to stick around."

"I’ve had my ups and downs," says Righter. "But I’m glad I got the chance to run Division I competition."

"I’ve learned that there’s a lot more important things than winning. Dealing with disapointment and struggle are skills that will help me down the road."