Everlasting Flame
Oct. 25, 2002
By John Morris
It all started with a bet. The girl, who always got out of gym class in high school with a doctor's note saying that her knees hurt, lost on a gamble that she can't even recall the details of now. Cassie Ficken, one of the Charlotte 49ers cross country team's top runners, started running with her high school team when she lost a bet to a friend.
"I got started running cross country when I lost a bet to one of my friends," laughs the talented sophomore as she reminisces back to her days in Conifer, Colo. "I started running with the team one day and was beating everyone. I thought to myself then that I think I found a new sport."
Luckily for Niner fans, she found out then that she could run like the wind and has been leading the team ever since. Last year, Cassie was Charlotte's top runner in all six meets. Only a freshman, she posted her best finish and best 6K time at the Conference USA Championships, finishing 27th with a time of 21:31.6. She also had her top 5K time at Auburn with a 17:51.43 mark.
"Cassie works really hard and is very cautious about her running," says cross country coach Brad Herbster. "These qualities show in her performance as a runner. She has shown remarkable brilliance."
In that same year, Cassie was also presented with the opportunity to do something that she will always remember. Cassie experienced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to run in the Olympic torch relay. The unforgettable event was made possible by a scholarship sponsored by Chevrolet and figure skater Michelle Kwan. Only 10 girls in the nation were given this opportunity to run the memory-filled relay.
"It was so interesting to be a part of it, just the fact that the Olympics are my biggest dream and one of my biggest goals. To be part of the relay is really special," recalls Ficken.
Cassie ran the torch Jan. 30 in her home state of Colorado, but the voyage of the eternal flame had begun long before that. Months before, an airplane arrived in Greece to receive fire from the original flame. The plane would then journey to Atlanta, Ga., to light another torch with the same glowing flame. A runner would then run two-tenths of a mile before handing off to the next person. From there, the flame passed through every state in America until it finally reached its home destination of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Last year's games also occurred at a time when many Americans questioned how safe their country really was. Even though the games took place several months after the events of Sept. 11, their memory affected many and stirred feelings about hosting the Winter games. Thankfully, it was just the opposite as the U.S. finished second behind Germany in the medal standings.
"It was very inspirational, an honor to be a part of the Olympics after all the horrible events that happened last year," Ficken said. "Everyone had their American flags flying high above their heads. It was really a good way to bring America together again."
Running the Olympic torch had a lasting affect on Ficken as she returned to Charlotte and remembered whom she met and the stories that were told by each person.
"I met the greatest people doing the torch run," states Ficken. "Everyone had an interesting story to tell, whether it was an inspirational story to a recovering illness, everyone had a reason as to why he or she was there."
Now, Cassie tries to use the advice she received from those individuals as a guidance tool to help her and her teammates during the season. She remembers everything that the torch runners said to her last year as she prepares to get into her zone, when she places her feet on the starting line to start the race.
This year, the Niners have been moving up in recognition and have impressed many people that usually don't expect much from the program.
"We had a lot of coaches make the comment and ask who we are and where we came from. They thought we were transfers from other schools at first, but then we tell them that we've always been here."
Cassie Ficken and the rest of the Charlotte 49er cross country team are undoubtedly proven winners with huge Olympic appetites for tomorrow.
|
|
 |
