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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

Adams State women-athletes through the years

dedication. It has taken a lot in order to reach a level of greatness – nothing is ever given. It is now my fourth year with the Adams State cross country and track program and each year always has something new to offer. The dynamic created on this team is that we are family, which I feel doesn’t create a separation among gender. Through these past years there have been workouts where I try to run with the men, and of course I tried my best to stay with them to prove that just because I’m a woman doesn’t mean I’m incapable of running just as fast. I think this approach motivates me and causes some friendly competition among the men but also demonstrates how this sport has brought us all together.

Thinking back to the time before women were encouraged to compete in sports is still a thought I can’t wrap my mind around. It means I would not have accomplished all that I have these past three years. 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. Every moment where I complained about running another mile, every moment when coach yelled at me to go faster, are moments I will never take for granted. The feeling of racing at a national meet is unexplainable but holds so much significance and is a moment like no other. I will always remember “ASU! ASU! ASU!” being chanted as we looped around to another mile. I will never forget the pain I felt but still pushed through it because six other girls depended on me to do so. I will never forget embracing all my teammates in a hug after I crossed the finish line only to learn – we had done it. We were the 2021 NCAA Division II Cross Country National Champs. We were going home with title number fifty-seven, and it almost felt like all of it was a dream.

Putting all of that into perspective, these are the kind of memories: hard work, dedication, and support, that are formed through sports. For women to have an equal opportunity shows the world that we are capable of accomplishing great things. I am very fortunate to compete and participate in sports. Along with receiving a scholarship, sports have given me a chance to dream, and the chance to work with a group of talented women that chase after greatness. I can’t wait for the next two years at Adams State to see what other accomplishments will come my way. From the start, Adams State women

During the first regular college year, President Ira Richardson, Elizabeth Briggs, and Tessie M. Degan, with student librarian Harriet Dalzell taught forty-two students during the fall quarter. Harriet, later Harriet Dalzell Hester, pictured above, was the first faculty librarian after being the first to receive a degree from Adams State.

Beryl McAdow wrote the first two Adams State history books, “From Crested Peaks” and “Our Voices Raised,” and served as an early faculty member.

Currently, four out of the eight schools/departments are led by women including School of Humanities and Social Sciences Director Colleen Schaffner, Ph.D.; School of Counselor Education Director Cheri Meder, Ph.D.; School of Business Director Liz Thomas-Hensley, Ph.D.; and Department of Nursing Director Melissa Milner.

Four out of seven Executive Council members are women including President Cheryl D. Lovell, Ph.D.; CFO Heather Heersink; Interim Director of Public Relations and Marketing Peg Blake, Ph.D.; Director of Athletics Katelyn Smith.

Across campus there are currently 20 department directors that are women.

Run of the Century

Clutching copies of “Chasing Excellence: The Remarkable Life and Inspiring Vigilosophy of Coach Joe I. Vigil,” crowds gathered in Vistas on Saturday to have their book autographed by Coach Vigil and author Pat Melgares, Class of 1988, national champion and Adams State athletic hall of famer. The green and white balloon arch complemented a cloudless blue sky the morning of the Run of the Century. At the starting line, the arch swayed in a slight breeze as runners took their mark for the 5K. Competitive collegiate athletes checked their watches and, with determination on their faces, prepared for the sound of the shot. The 100+ other runners, alumni and community members, stretched and engaged in light conversation as their race was less about time and more about the shared experience.

Coach Damon Martin, Joseph Frank “Boogie” Romero, and Joe I. Vigil, Ph.D. draw a crowd of admirers.

Current and former runners captured the moment, taking photos of their name inscribed on the obelisk that stands in front of Rex Stadium as witness to the 50-year winning history of the incredible running sport at Adams State.

Bronze plaques will grace three sides, the fourth is dedicated to future successes. The wall facing west tells the story of the Adams State dynasty; the opposite side has every national championship team title, each team member, as well as every coaching staff member; the north panel includes every student athlete who earned All-American honors, a denotation of each individual national championship, and Olympic rings for those who competed in the Olympic games. Due to current bronze shortages the plaques are yet to be placed. Temporary banners were fixed to the monument for the unveiling.