Clinton provides Syracuse with veteran presence, consistent performances

Alexandra Clinton used to be a struggling freshman on the Syracuse women’s cross country team.

That was two years ago. Now?

“I’m hopefully in the top five,” said Clinton, now in her junior season.

And she has proven that thus far. Clinton, out of Ramsey High School in New Jersey, finished second out of the SU women and 11th overall at the Dartmouth Invitational this past Saturday. Her run helped the No. 9 Orange women’s cross country team take third overall in the invite.

Clinton said making the adjustment to a Division-I program was the biggest challenge of her career so far. She remembers that, so she and the rest of the team’s veteran athletes are making a commitment to help the younger athletes on the team.

The team is young, as 32 of the 45 athletes are freshman and sophomores. But the expectations couldn’t be higher.

“A lot of us upperclassmen are trying to step up and be there for all the young ones, and that’s something they’re (the coaches) very happy about because it’s not something that happens every year,” Clinton said.

And while Clinton is one of the top runners on the women’s side, she’s not focused solely on individual achievements.

“I’m always there to help people if they are struggling,” she said.

This commitment to camaraderie has led the team to success so far this season. The men have collected two wins, and the women have one win and a third place finish. And greater success is expected as the season progresses.

“Being close and helping each other out — that’s a strength of ours. That’s something that will take us far,” Clinton said.

But no matter how far the team goes, Clinton always wants more from her performance.

“I don’t think I’ve ever walked away from a practice or a race being really happy,” Clinton said.  “I walk away from everything and wonder, ‘What could I have done better?’”

This competitive attitude is likely what has gotten her to where she is now.

For Clinton, she hopes the younger athletes will adopt her commitment to helping teammates while striving to improve as individual runners.

Though Clinton’s imprint on the team is clear, she is not satisfied yet.

Said Clinton: “I guess I’ve had somewhat of an impact, but I always want to do more.”