Women’s basketball 1952-53 Deb Gilbert ’83, Adams State Hall of Fame inductee in 2000 Pam Klecker, Adams State Hall of Fame inductee in 2013
16 AStater
“ To think, if this was a different era I wouldn’t have
been standing on that stage on November 20, 2021, with my teammates holding up a national trophy as the crowd around us chanted our names.”
Hear Her Roar Brianna Robles shares her passion for running and the Title IX effect on collegiate athletes. In 1981 the first women’s cross country team was established at Adams State University, which included legendary runners Mary Jacqua, Denise Falzone, Lucy Paine, Lisa Kallbach, Denise Sonne, Andrea Ogg, and Fay Woodward. They were on the first women’s team in RMAC history to win a national championship. That team started a legacy that continues through today and may not have happened without an act of congress. In 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act became a federal law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex including in collegiate athletics. I believe it should have always been culturally acceptable for women to be able to compete in sports like men. This image of being “too fragile” or “too delicate” has always been one of the motives behind not allowing women to compete in sports – but the reality is women are tough. Sports were originally male dominated as they were often the only college athletes encouraged and supported to compete and showcase their abilities – now the door for opportunities remains equal for women. To be a runner on the women’s cross country team means to be a part of a culture. I would say the expectations and the goals are the same across both genders, which keeps this program balanced. Being a part of the Adams State cross country team provided me an experience I don’t think I would be fortunate enough to experience anywhere else. We are a very diverse team and it is interesting to see how sports can bring many people together who share the same dream about achieving greatness. I am grateful for the opportunities I received, actually I wouldn’t say received, but earned. Every opportunity in my life was a stepping stone created from previous hardships and
