The poll results are in! Christina Eddleman, senior varsity cross country runner, was one of the nine athletes nominated by coaches this October for Athlete of the Month, and students and faculty elected her Athlete of the Month on the Bear Facts’ website.

“To be chosen is pretty cool. It makes me feel good that people recognize all the hard work I put into [cross country],” Eddleman said. “I knew last month Noel [Brindise] was nominated by our coach, and that was totally awesome, but I never thought I’d be nominated. It’s crazy to me that people voted for me too.”

Lisa Ledbetter, assistant varsity coach, nominated Eddleman because of her perseverance and hard work this year.

“Throughout her 4 years on the team, she has dealt with severe shin splints, which have prevented her from competing and training to her maximum potential,” Letbetter said. “This year, Christina has been very focused and has been training very smart so her shins are in good health [which] paid off. She has been racing very well for us so far this year. Despite her shin splints, she has still earned a spot with the top 14 runners on the team (of 60 girls) who have the priviledge of competing in Peoria.”

“We really like to make it to state. It’s a huge goal of ours,” Eddleman said. “Also, running ‘sub twenty,’ which means running three miles under twenty minutes, is something I want to accomplish.”

For more information on the other nominees for Athlete of the Month, go to https://www.lzbearfacts.com/sports/2014/10/08/october-athlete-of-the-month/.