Grand Rapids Reporter

Whitney Farrell, a senior at Ferris State University, has reflected on her experiences as a member of the cross country and track and field teams. Farrell, who graduated from Freeland High School in 2022, has dedicated herself to year-round training for success in both sports.

"I want to look back on my time here with no regrets," Farrell said. "So, in this last season, I plan to fully embrace the hard workouts, tough races, and 8 a.m. long runs, knowing that one day I'll wish I could do it all again."

Her efforts have resulted in notable achievements, including breaking the school record in the 3,000-meter steeplechase during her first attempt at the event. "I've had so many great experiences, and I'm proud to be part of the Ferris cross country and track program," Farrell said. "With the guidance of my coaches and the support of my teammates, I was able to break the school record in the 3,000-meter steeplechase."

Farrell described how trying a new event added meaning to her accomplishment: "That made it even more special because it was my first time running the event. I'm really glad that I trusted my coach, and that he believed in me enough to give it a shot," she said. "Now, I can't imagine not running the steeplechase, and I look forward to racing it each spring during the outdoor season."

At Grand Valley State's Al Owens Classic during spring outdoor track season, Farrell finished second with a school-record time of 10:48.79 in the 3,000-meter steeplechase and qualified for NCAA Division II competition.

Farrell noted that preparation for cross country begins early each summer: "We start training for cross country at the end of May, and summer running is often the most challenging part, mainly because we're training alone, without our teammates," she said. She emphasized how returning to campus brings renewed motivation from team camaraderie.

The cycle continues through three seasons—cross country ending in November followed by indoor track after a short break: "Cross country season typically ends in early November, and after that we get a two-week break before we train for indoor track," Farrell explained. After indoor track concludes near semester’s end there is only a brief pause before outdoor track begins.

Running has been an important part of Farrell’s family life as well: "My mom has always been a big runner; she would go on runs regularly and has completed a few half marathons and full marathons," she said.

Initially interested in basketball at college level until her sophomore year of high school ended abruptly due to COVID-19 restrictions halting organized sports activities: "Then COVID hit... Running became one of the few things I could still do to stay active and in shape," she said.

Farrell recalled highlights from high school athletics such as winning Michigan Interscholastic Track Coaches Association Team State Championship during her junior year despite modest expectations going into competition. She also earned all-state honors in cross country as a senior—a milestone achievement compared with earlier years.

A multi-sport athlete throughout high school—competing also as an all-conference basketball player—Farrell credits her parents’ encouragement: "I really look up to my parents; they've played a huge role in helping me get to where I am today... One thing they always told my siblings and me was that it didn't matter if we were best or worst on field or course as long as we gave our best effort..."

Balancing athletics with academics at Ferris State’s College of Engineering Technology where she majors in Architecture presented challenges but also rewards: "Architecture is definitely challenging but it's also rewarding to see your ideas take shape," Farrell said. She plans further study toward licensure after graduation.

Ferris State Bulldogs are scheduled to compete next at Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships on Saturday October 25 at Davenport University.