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Reporter-News Archives   Thursday, November 18, 1999 ACHS cross country champ heads for ACU By TED DUNNAM Assistant Sports Editor The fastest cross country runner in Texas is lending her considerable talents to Abilene Christian University. Abilene Christian High School’s Ruth Nanyinza, who blazed to the Texas Assocition of Private and Parochial Schools state cross country title several weeks ago, signed a track and field letter-of-intent Wednesday with ACU. Nanyinza, who holds national records in four events for her native Zambia, provides an already-strong Wildcat track program with another world class athlete. Nanyinza’s winning time at the TAPPS state meet was 31 seconds faster than the winning Class 5A state cross country time. “I never knew this day would come. I never expected it,’’ said Nanyinza, who found a home in Abilene almost by accident. “I think that it’s God’s grace that this has happened to me. I’m very, very happy.’’ Nanyinza said the University of Tennessee and Texas Tech were the only other schools that garnered her consideration. “The faculty and students take care of you so well at ACU. They really care about the students,’’ Nanyinza said. “To be getting an education and be in a Christian environment, I’m very, very excited.’’ Nanyinza has a best time of 11:03 in the 3,200 meters, and won the state cross country meet by more than two minutes. She will compete in the Foot Locker South Region Cross Country Championships Nov. 27 in Charlotte, N.C. If she finishes in the top eight, Nanyinza will advance to the national meet Dec. 11 in Orlando, Fla. “I feel like I’m running well now. I’m healthy and I’m training hard,’’ she said. “I hope to finish in the top eight and make it to the national meet.’’ Nanyinza will participate in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. She has competed in numerous races in many countries around the world, providing her with a wealth of experience. ACHS head track coach Ken Edwards said Nanyinza will probably compete in the 400, 800, 1,600 and 3,200 meters this spring as the school bids for a state track championship. “I think she has the potential to run at three or four Olympics in middle distances,’’ Edwards said. After the spring, Nanyinza’s summer schedule will include a trip to the Olympics and a hopeful visit back to Zambia to see her parents and the rest of her family. She plans to be an international business major at ACU. “I think that it’s something that I would enjoy,’’ Nanyinza said. “I really like to travel.’’ Ted Dunnam can be reached at 676-6771 or dunnamt@abinews.com. Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story Send the URL (Address) of This Story to A Friend: Enter their email address below: texnews.com Reporter OnLine Local Sports Texas Sports Copyright ©1999, Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications

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