Erin Rapin poses with her PA Track and Field Coaches Association Award
Tiffany Truong ‘27
STAFF WRITER
As the cross country season came to an end, senior runner Erin Rapin was named to the All-State Second Team by the PA Track and Field Coaches Association, highlighting her dedication to the sport.
Determination is what brought Erin to her “I did it” moment. When asked about her reaction, she said, “I was very excited to see that I was part of the All State Second Team. Coach Mark Lacianca announced it to our whole team during lunch and learn, and I felt very proud of myself at that moment.”
Without her peers, parents, and coaches, she would not be where she is today. She said, “I have had many supporters throughout my athletic career, starting with my parents, who took time out of their busy schedules to support me at my races. Next my teammates, who are what keep me going even at my lowest, and lastly, Coach Lacianca who pushes me every day to be the best runner I can be.” Erin points out a crucial detail about an athlete’s journey to success: her friends. Many people recognize cross country as an individual sport, but most athletes count on their friends and the community to motivate them until the end of the race.
Another key factor of Erin’s success is her perseverance. Even when times were tough, she pushed herself to her limits and beyond. In regards to her journey, she said, “The end goal of the whole Cross Country season is the state meet, so physically I was preparing for months. [I put] in the work every day at practice, including the time I spent on a spin bike when I was injured. Mentally, I think the state meet is the most taxing. Because not only are you competing with the fastest girls in PA, but the course is full of hills. [There are] so many hills that everyone's time is usually over a minute slower than what they are used to. I prepared for this by reminding myself that I have run this course before, and I knew what was coming. Repeating those types of assurances in my head is what helped me stay cool and calm on the start line.” Like any sport, cross country is heavy on the mental and physical. No path is perfect and Erin had to push through her obstacles- for example, her injury. However, having this achievement shows that all her dedication was worth it.
As a senior, Erin has future plans that involve cross country. She is planning to compete at the Division One level at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Reflecting back on her high school career, she would tell her freshman self, “Never doubt yourself and always put your best foot forward.” In addition, she has a message for all the people starting their cross country career: “Be hard on yourself, because there is no growth in the comfort zone.”
