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ISABEL ANDRADE: Petaluma, senior, cross country By MIKE COIT PRESS DEMOCRAT Published: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 WHAT SHE DID: Andrade defended her North Coast Section Div. III cross country title and led the Petaluma girls to their first state finals last weekend in Fresno. The team’s accomplishment was as important to Andrade as her win. “I’m so proud of our girls,” she said. “I’m so excited for our team to go this year. It’s going to be so fun.” Andrade is the team leader when running and as a veteran presence on a young squad. “She’s the glue, there’s no doubt about it,” said Petaluma coach Jim Lynch. “She more than anyone else this year brought those girls together to accomplish that goal and get to the state meet.” With her second sectional individual title, Andrade would like to improve on her ninth place finish at state a year ago, though that was the best Petaluma girl’s finish ever. “I’m hoping that I can do that again or do better.” MATURING RUNNER: After not running cross country as a freshman and suffering a foot injury as a sophomore, Andrade said she has found running off the track more fun the past two seasons. She has adapted to higher levels of training and is stronger at the end of races, as reflected Saturday when Andrade broke away from the lead pack in the last mile to win. “That’s my favorite part of the race, the last mile, because I feel it’s the time you get to finally let go, let loose. It’s all heart.” Andrade is clearly enjoying the competition. “The last few weeks we started to see things click again,” Lynch said. “She’s primed and peaking at the right time.” MATURING STUDENT: The discipline of improving as a runner has carried over into class, she said. “I feel like the most important things I’ve gotten out of running have made me a lot more dedicated and motivated and driven.” Andrade has a 3.4 grade point average. She also is very active in her church youth group.
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