This week, we were able to catch up with Elizabeth Reneau after her awesome 3 mile performance at the
Woodbridge Cross Country Classic where she travelled to California to take on the best in the west and placed ninth. Reneau has lead the way in TAPPS distance running for the last three years as she has already won three individual TAPPS state championships in cross country , the 1600m, and the 3200m. On top of those events that she has tripled up in, last fall, she also added an 800m state title. Last week's trip to California wasn't Reneau's only national meet where she has been successful. Reneau has also performed well at Arkansas' Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival (2nd place), Oklahoma's OSU Cowboy Jamboree (2nd place), and last year, she earned an individual qualifying spot to the Nike Cross Nationals (44th place) in Eugene, Oregon. Along with those races, on the track, she also added a fourth place finish in the 3200 at the Kansas Relays, last spring.
Check out our Q&A with the Argyle Liberty Christian star.
TX MS - What are your thoughts on your performance at Woodbridge?
ER - I thought it was a strong performance but there's always room for improvement. The competition was obviously extremely fast. The place wasn't exactly where I wanted it to be but the time was fast and a good building block to my championship season.
TXMS - How different was it preparing for Woodbridge vs. a normal XC weekend?
ER - I really didn't taper for Woodbridge itself. I kept training consistent with the main goal being the post-season.
TXMS - Having run a 16:14 and 17:31 already, how confident are you for the remainder of your season?
ER - It does give an idea that I'm in good shape but we still have to get to October (TAPPS state), November (NXN and FL regionals) and hopefully December. Every race is a different day.
TXMS - Do you feel that you are not getting enough respect in Texas as you should since you are not a UIL athlete?
ER - It's nice that running is a sport where times speak for themselves. Also, it's nice that I get to compete against UIL athlete's almost every week until our district and state. I feel as if there's no disadvantage with me not being a UIL athlete.
Reneau competes at the Woodbridge Cross Country Classic, photo by Jessie McCabe
TXMS - Last year, you may have caught some people off guard, but there is no chance of that this year, how do you feel now that you're known nationally?
ER - Obviously, faster times are going to bring more recognition but that doesn't change my focus.
TXMS - Is there anything you feel you haven't accomplished yet in TAPPS?
ER - I'm fortunate enough to have accomplished almost everything in TAPPS. However, TAPPS is filled with talented girls and I know that on any day anyone can win so the last accomplishment would be winning the state title this year.
TXMS - Do you feel like you are one of the trailblazers for TAPPS showing that you all can compete with the UIL kids?
ER - Yes I believe it does not matter where you go to school but the mentality and work ethic of a runner does matter.
TXMS - How much of an effect did the NXN experience have on you as an athlete?
ER - The NXN experience was incredible. It will be a lifelong memory I will never forget. I got to compete with some of the best girls in the nation which was unparalleled.
TXMS - Do you consider yourself a distance runner or more of a middle distance runner?
ER - My freshman and sophomore year I liked the shorter distances better but the last year I have started to think I'm more of a longer distance runner. I've started enjoying my long runs and tend to prefer 1K's over 400s (I know it's weird).
TXMS - Which sport do you like most, track & field or cross?
ER - Definitely track.
Reneau Crosses the line at the Woodbridge Cross Country Classic, photo by Jessie McCabe
- Bonus Questions -
TXMS - Aside from running what do you do very well?
ER - A student (except my twin is ranked above me) and also I love art photography.
TXMS - What other passions do you have in life?
ER - I'm passionate about excelling in whatever life brings whether it be friendship, my walk with the Lord, or running.
TXMS - What professional athlete is your favorite and why?
ER - Colleen Quigley because she went from a high schooler without much recognition and now she's doing what she loves. She didn't have to be the best of the best in high school. She just had to be her best self.
TXMS - What do you think is your best personality trait?
ER - (Coaches answer) Elizabeth is kind and teachable.
TXMS - If you could coach a TAPPS Dream Team to compete against other private schools in the national in girls cross who would you put in your top 7 and UIL top 7?
ER - TAPPS - The Ursuline team this year as well as Allison Bryant from Nolan Catholic and Adoette Vaughan (throwing in an SPC star)
ยท UIL - London Culbreath, Quinn Owen, Kate Tract, Ashlyn Hillyard, Carrie Fish, Gracie Morris
