VANCOUVER, WASH. — This was not the finish Arianna Ghiorso wanted, but it was one she was equipped to handle.
"It was a tough one. I didn't do what I came to do," The Master's University sophomore said. "But it was another great learning experience. I'm praising the Lord for another opportunity to run for Him."
Competing as an individual, Ghiorso finished in 56th place Friday at the NAIA Cross Country National Championships in Vancouver, Washington.
She arrived at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site hoping to become just the third sophomore in program history to achieve All-American status. Instead, she will use the outcome as motivation for a return to her sport's biggest stage this time next year. Her track record is strong.
Ghiorso has reached NAIA nationals in each season since arriving at Master's: twice in cross country and once in track and field.
"Ari will be back," said Master's head coach Zach Schroeder, who offered one possible reason Ghiorso capped a strong season without an All-American award, which goes to the top-30 finishers.
He said that last season at nationals, Ghiorso didn't start fast enough, causing her to get stuck behind the pack and leading to an 86th-place finish.
This season, after establishing herself as the clear-cut No. 1 runner on the team and one of the best in the Golden State Athletic Conference, Ghiorso was determined not to let herself fall behind again. She may have, Schroeder said, started too fast.
"Sometimes you err on one side, then you overcorrect," he said. "It's a tricky deal."
What's not tricky is the Mustangs' current situation: TMU will continue to build around one of the most promising runners in program history over the next two years with the hope of returning here as a team in the near future.
One highlight for Ghiorso on Friday was that her family was on hand to support her.
"It was super sweet," she said. "I'm beyond grateful to them for everything they have poured into the sport I love so much. I loved having them cheer me on."
