Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell probably had no idea about the impact he would have on the 2006 Pennsylvania cross country season, but suffice it to say that it is going to be big.
Neely Spence, racing at the 2005 Northeast Foot Lockers in New York City
In January, Rendell signed a bill into law that makes it mandatory for public schools to allow participation in extracurricular activities by homeschoolers. Prior to the bill, participation was the decision of the local district, and only about 50% did welcome the students to clubs and sports.
One school that did accept athletes prior to the law was Radnor. Their girls' team will benefit from the transfer into the district by Hannah Granger, an all-state runner from Washington.
Today, a central Pennsylvania cross country team welcomed another homeschooled student-athlete who will have an immediate impact on her league and, more than likely, on the district and state levels.
Neely Spence – the daughter of 1991 marathon World Championship medalist and 1992 Olympian Steve Spence – has joined the girls' cross country team at Shippensburg High School. Her first day of practice was today, and Spence says she was happy to see, and start to meet her 40 new teammates. "I was nervous, but they were really loose. And that helped me to feel welcome."
Spence has had the benefit over the years of training with the Shippensburg University college team, coached by her father. But she knew it just wasn't the same as training and racing with athletes her own age. So last year, she formed a post-season club of sorts, found a sponsor, located a volunteer coach, and contacted a few top athletes in Central PA to form a training group to prepare for the Northeast Footlocker Regionals. The Cumberland Valley Athletic Club was born, and inaugural members included Lara Crofford of Big Spring, Sarah Morrison of Chambersburg, Marie Lamparter of Carlisle, Kassie Meholick of Cedar Cliff, and Kara Millhouse of Boiling Springs. Millhouse is the only one who will run AA. All return for 2006.
Spence continued to train with a few of the girls over the summer, and plans to renew the club after the high school cross country season is over. She says that their reception has been equally as welcoming as her school's. "Lara was really excited. Everyone has shown lots of support, and I really appreciate that they are so welcoming."
Spence will run the dual meet season in order to be eligible for conferences, districts, and hopefully, states. Her season came to a disappointing end in 2005 when she "ran out of all power" during the Northeast Foot Locker race in late November. She was within qualifying range with about 1,000 meters to go, but she says that from the downhill exiting the woods to the finish, she doesn't remember a thing. "I've never felt that bad during a race."
Earlier this year, she continued to experience problems. She consulted two doctors – friends of the family – who also happen to be an ultramarathoner and a triathlete. She was diagnosed with a low ferratin level. Actually, she had very poor absorption of iron. While the condition may not be noticed by many people, an athlete who continually trains at a high level will show the effects.
Spence was tested in June, and her levels have more than doubled. "I feel much better, and I'm excited to get back to racing."
But she's equally excited about the prospect of being on a team. "I have never had the whole experience. The coach. The team. The atmosphere."
The ultimate goal though, is to atone for her Foot Locker race, starting this fall.... and carrying through the last Saturday in November, and hopefully, beyond.