Story finds family connection in international debut

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

The latest chapter in the running career of Rebecca Story tells a story of her unique heritage.

In addition to being the youngest member of the American team that will compete Saturday in the women’s junior 4-kilometer race at the Great Edinburgh XCountry International Challenge at Holyrood Park, the junior from Christian Academy of Knoxville TN has also traced her roots to the event’s host country.

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“My mother’s side is definitely Scottish,” Story said. “Her side of the family has done all the genealogy.”

Story’s mom, whose maiden name is Mary Little, has had her parents and grandparents visit the area in Scotland to trace their ancestry back to Rebecca’s relatives who first moved to America.

“I have never been overseas, so it’s really cool and special to go there for my first international meet,” Story said. “After I finished my race at Foot Locker Nationals, my coach (2000 U.S. steeplechase Olympian Tony Cosey) asked me if I would be interested in running a race in Scotland.  I thought Foot Locker would be my last race, so I was really excited when I was invited. It was not my main goal going into the race, but I knew it was a possibility if I performed well.”

Story placed third in the girls 5-kilometer final Dec. 10 at the Foot Locker National Championships in San Diego. She will be joined on the U.S. women’s junior roster by Foot Locker runner-up Nevada Mareno of Leesville Road NC and fourth-place finisher India Johnson of Hilliard Davidson OH, along with Nike Cross Nationals third-place finisher Lauren Gregory of Fort Collins CO.

Arkansas freshman Taylor Werner, an All-American after placing 16th in her NCAA Championship debut, and Wisconsin freshman Alicia Monson – 11th at the Great Lakes Regional and 96th at NCAAs – complete the six-runner lineup for the U.S. women in the 4-kilometer race.

Mareno and Story were instrumental in the South placing three runners in the top 10 and all 10 athletes in the top 30 to help complete a sweep of girls and boys team titles at Foot Locker. They will look to contribute to an American victory after Great Britain won the junior women’s team competition last year.

“It was encouraging to have a team to compete with at Nationals, and I am excited that two South girls get to represent Team USA in Scotland,” Story said. “Placing third at a national meet really boosted my confidence, and I believe I can make a similar statement at the Great Edinburgh Challenge.”

Although Story achieved her goals by qualifying for Foot Locker Nationals and securing All-America honors, when the season began, she never considered the opportunity to compete internationally.

“I am very blessed to have received the opportunity to represent Team USA as a junior.  It is an incredible honor to be able to run for my country this early in my running career,” Story said. “I am very happy with how I performed at Foot Locker Nationals, but I still have room for improvement.”

Story demonstrated significant growth during her sophomore track schedule by placing fourth in both the Arcadia Invitational 3,200 and Brooks PR Invitational 2-mile races, establishing a strong foundation for a breakthrough cross country season, which included winning her first Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association A-AA state title.

An impressive performance in Scotland could create another memorable storyline in Story’s lineage and running career, setting the stage for successful future chapters on the track.

“I had successful 3,200 and 5K runs during the postseason, so hopefully the 4K will be a nice way for me to finish strong,” Story said. “I am taking a short time off after I return from Edinburgh and then beginning to build up for indoor track. I am having a slightly later indoor season to allow some rest and hope to run in the New Balance Indoor Nationals and try to place well in the 2-mile and improve my PR.”