To redshirt or not to redshirt: For Chico State Head Cross Country Coach Gary Towne, that's often the question. He chose to let Alexandra Burkhart slip on that sweet new Saucony uniform this season, and it's become quite clear that he chose wisely.
It was never clearer than on a cold and cloudless day in Billings, Mont., at the NCAA West Regional Championship Saturday. Burkhart blew the doors off, finishing 22nd overall to earn All-West Region honors – and fourth among freshmen – to lead the Wildcats to a second-place finish and berth in the NCAA Championships Dec. 6 in Louisville, Ky.
The Wildcat of the Week covered the six-kilometer course in a season's best time of 22:07.9. The true freshman was the third Wildcat to cross the finish line, marking her best result of the season.
Burkhart finished 12th at the California Collegiate Athletic Association Championships two weeks prior to earn All-CCAA accolades. She was the team's fourth fastest finisher then.
The Wildcats now turn their attention to the NCAA Championships in hopes of extending their 12-year streak of top-10 finishes. Letting Burkhart run this season was clearly a good start.
