As Track and Field season approaches, runners all across the nation are preparing themselves for the grueling season ahead. Miles upon miles are run, and early morning trips to the weight room dominate the lives of the most dedicated student athletes. However, high school seniors have the rest of their lives to prepare for, as well. College signing season is upon us, and Arcadia Valley High School standout Saga Barzowski has joined the ranks of the committed. Saga will be attending the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi, next fall.
“The final factor that led to my decision was the coach. Coach Erin and I clicked the first time I talked to her on the phone. When I visited there I knew she was someone who can take my running to the next level.”
Saga perennially posts top times in the Class 2 State Cross Country Meets, as she has finished second twice, while winning the gold medal in both her Freshman and Junior years. As a Class 3 competitor in the 2012 State Track and Field Championship, Saga was able to win 1st place in each the 800m and the 1600m. Her PR’s of 5:04.97 in the 1600m, 2:15.60 in the 800m, and 18:45.43 in the 5000m are all competitive in any Missouri class. Still, Saga understands the importance of the team aspect and is eager to be a part of the collegiate elite, as Ole Miss looks to improve from a 5th place finish in the NCAA D1 South Regional for Cross Country.
“I'm most excited about being on a team with girls who all have completely different backgrounds. It's a very talented recruiting class and I can't wait to run with them!”
Ole Miss returns four top 65 finishers from the South Regional, and have already locked up 6 female distance runners.
Unfortunately for her Missouri High School competitors, Saga still has her sights set on a record setting senior track season.
“It would be very nice if I could get another state championship this spring, but I really just want to run fast times. Running sub 5 in the 1600 has always been one of my goals and I'm hoping to smash that this year.”
Arcadia Valley also looks to be more competitive this year, as their program has risen over the years with the help of Saga and her twin sister Ana. During their freshman season, the Arcadia Valley program had two girls, but this year they have eight.
“They are an amazing group of girls and I can't wait to see what they do in the future.”
Saga’s favorite memory to date in her running career has been Arcadia Valley’s unexpected second place cross-country finish this year.
“Getting second in class 2 might not seem like much, but it was an amazing experience and a great end to my last cross country season!”
