Leader Of The Pack
9/28/2006 12:00:00 AM | Cross Country
Sept. 28, 2006
FRESNO, Calif. - If you ask Zinzi Evans about her accomplishments and how she has gotten to where she is today, the senior flashes a bright smile and her eyes light up.
What is relayed, however, is a very reserved and humbled story of a Bulldog who is quick to remember how it all began.
"I'm very happy and very blessed," said the Oakland, Calif., native that has emerged into the Fresno State cross country program's top runner. "I've been running since age eight. When I came to a meet in Fresno I saw how big the football stadium was, how big the baseball stadium was, and was just very impressed with the facilities. Then and there I knew I wanted to go to a big school.
"I didn't run cross country at San Lorenzo (High School)," stated the communicative disorders major that also runs track for the Bulldogs. "It was a really hard transition competing in this sport when I arrived at Fresno State. However, to run, you have to take pleasure in it and I really enjoy it and that's what I'm here to do.
"I just have fun with it (running)," Evans added. "When I run with the team we have conversations and they are the reason why I excel. Cross country is such a team sport. You run by yourself but every practice counts and every discipline counts and to be surrounded by those who have the same work ethic and persistence is extremely beneficial. My teammates are my backbone."
Evans, who enjoys good soul food and Philippine cuisine, has been one of Fresno State's top cross country runners since her sophomore year. To date, she has run in 20 career meets and is ranked in two all-time Top 25 distance marks as she sits eighth in the 6,000-meter list (23:17) and is ranked No. 13 in the two-mile (11:23). In her career, Evans has finished as the `Dogs top harrier in two meets - both this season - and has been the No. 2 runner in five races since last year.
While Evans also credits her success to her spiritual ideology, the trophies and medals that are glean from athletic success are packed away in boxes.
"I'm a very, very spiritual person," said Evans, who uses cross country as a springboard into the track season. "Without my faith and my family I'd be somewhere else. My mom, who is very proud of what I've accomplished, has a display with some of my trophies. It's nice for her but I just stuff my medals and trophies into boxes."
For Fresno State head cross country coach and assistant track and field coach Joe Gonzales, he knows what drives Evans.
"Zinzi is typical Zinzi," said Gonzales, who fully expects this diligent student-athlete to break the school's 800-meter track record this spring. "She is driven. She is disciplined. She is demanding of herself. She is goal oriented. She has the will of a runner.
"Zinzi has transformed herself into a good cross country runner and knowing her, she's going to want to be the best she can in this sport," Gonzales added. "However, she is a track competitor by heart. Zinzi, who owns the school's freshman 800-meter record, uses cross country as a discipline and foundation. Her leadership skills, especially by personal example, are invaluable for those who want to excel."
While Evans is focused on guiding the cross country team to a second straight NCAA Regional showing, she'll have another shot of helping the program capture a Western Athletic Conference title this fall. In the Bulldogs' own back yard, the 2006 WAC Championships for men and women will be held at Woodward Park on Oct. 28.
No one knows how runners toil and what drives each to race against the clock unless personal experience has been had, but for Evans, loving a discipline that translates from the classroom to the field is simply gratifying.
Players Mentioned
