Cardinal Points

Issue date: 11/16/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Andrei Popovici Vlad Senior Allison Busby has had to deal with many injuries throughout her career, but she doesn't let them stop her from running at a high level.

Allison Busby is tough.

The amount and severity of her injuries would have left the average runner shaking in their warm ups. And she keeps coming back for more.

Why would she not give up after suffering injury after injury?

The quest for a national championship would be her answer for that.

This year has proved to be the Lady Cards best chance to get that national championship. They qualified as team for tomorrow's NCAA Championships in St. Olaf, Minn., after tying Geneseo St. (2005 national champions) at the NCAA Atlantic Regional Championship.

They are currently ranked sixth in the country and this success, along with Busby's success, is no coincidence. She is there for the team whenever they need her.

"She leads by example and cares a lot for her teammates," Head Coach John Lynch said.

At the SUNYAC Championship, Busby led the Cardinal women when three of their top four runners were out. She led the team with a third place finish.

Being a captain, Busby doesn't show the frustration of fighting off her injuries.

"It's really hard though because I feel every time I'm finally getting back into shape I get hit by one again," Busby said. "I just want to make it through this year so much."

Where this dedication came from is another question.

It might have come from way back in the beginning of her running career, when she started at age 12 because it was the thing to do in her house, where everyone ran.

Her brother, Dan, who runs at Syracuse University and is a great runner in his own, admires his sister's qualities.

"The quality of Allison that I respect and admire the most is her determination," Dan said. "Her love of the sport drives her to put in the many extra hours needed to compete."

Her determination is what drives her to keep moving on the trails, roads, track or whatever surface she runs on.

She keeps giving back to the sport that only takes from her.

"I'm just tough because I have to get through so darn many injuries," Busby said. "It's not easy working out in the gym or the pool - it's boring!"

Continued...

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