D-B’s Neglia Earns All-American Status
by STEVE WILMOTH
TriCitiesSports.com
December 1, 2018
PORTLAND, OR -- One year after missing earning All-American status by five seconds, Dobyns-Bennett junior Sasha Neglia used the learning experience to earn the elite status Saturday at the Nike Cross Nationals.
Neglia traversed the course on the Glendoveer Golf Course in 17:29.8, crossing in 15th to become the first All-American cross country performer in school history.
“Sasha ran a great race and making All-American is a great way to finish a great season,” said Dobyns-Bennett coach Bob Bingham.
In true Neglia form, the fierce competitor lamented a pack finish that left her just 1.3 seconds from a top ten finish and 4½ seconds out of seventh place.
“I was happy with my finish but wanted a little better because the finish was so close,” said Neglia. “I was pleased with my time and felt like a had a pretty good race strategy.”
Neglia took over 40 seconds off her time from last year and found race conditions improved as well.
“Going here last year was definitely helpful,” continued Neglia. “I felt more prepared.”
“Last year’s experience made this year much easier,” Bingham added. “It was not as overwhelming.”
Neglia had trouble at the starting line last year, but made a clean break this time around.
Neglia stayed in the top 20 for the first two miles before moving up a few spots later in the race. A top 20 time was required to be named as an All-American.
“Last year, I got boxed in at the start so one of my main focuses for the race was getting out well,” explained Neglia.
Katelyn Tuohy of North Rockland, New York repeated as overall champion. The junior and reigning Gatorade National Girls’ Athlete of the Year finished in 16:37.8, breaking her own course record by nearly seven seconds.
Of the top 20 finishers, 12 could make a return to the Nike Nationals next year, including Neglia.
“Sasha will still be driven to improve next year because that’s who she is,” noted Bingham. “And that drive separates her from most runners.”