Sacramento State freshman cross country runner Erin Wachter entered the season in uncharted territory.

She had to adjust to the setting of a new school and the increased level of competition from high school to college in cross country.

The adjustment has not stopped Wachter from putting up stellar numbers and being a consistent force throughout the year.

“The season has gone really good, better than I thought it would,” Wachter said. “I didn’t have any expectations, I was really nervous about running in college but I tried to tell myself that it’s just running.”

Another new concept for Wachter coming from Cordova High School to Sac State was being able to be apart of a women’s cross country team, which she had never had the chance to take part in.

“I was the only girl on my high school cross country team, more girls help,” Wachter said. “I love all the girls on the team and one of the biggest parts of this season is them helping me.”

Director of Track/Cross Country Kathleen Raske said Wachter has brought a long history of distance running with her to the Sac State women’s team.

“Running is in her blood,” Raske said. “Because of her experience, she has been able to adjust quickly. It’s absolutely been an easy transition for Erin to the college level.”

Wachter had a decision to make on what university she would bring her experience to this season, and she decided to follow her heart in coming to Sac State.

“I had a good feeling, compared to the other schools, about Sac State, I just went on my gut instinct,” Wachter said.

Cross Country Head Coach Rodney Rothoff said the thing that sets Wachter apart is that she has a great work ethic.

“She has a positive energy,” Rothoff said. “She comes out to practice without excuses and knows how to give the effort it takes.”

This work ethic for Wachter has propelled her to the front of the Sac State women’s pack in three of the four races this season.

“She definitely has been our most consistent women’s runner this season,” Rothoff said. “We can always count on her week in and week out.”

The success for Wachter hits its highest point of the season in her last race as the team held its home meet at the Sac State Open.

Wachter finished second overall in the race with a time of 17:56 on the 5K course. The time at the race represented a lifetime best for Wachter.

“It was a great meet for her and definitely done in style,” Raske said. “You line up 40-240 runners on a starting line at this level and it is very rare for someone to win or become runner-up at a race in their career and she finished number two overall at this meet.”

Wachter said the race went great for her and that it was an awesome experience.

“I went out, pushed myself as hard as I could, and (freshman) Kathryn Cunningham was up there with me pushing and pulling me and it helped,” Wachter said.

Raske said Wachter has a very bright future ahead of her.

“She will continue her progress and development and continue to get better and better,” Raske said.

Rothoff said he also is excited about Wachter’s future on the Sac State women’s cross country team.

“She is going to be a solid performer, I feel strongly she will be a contributor and accomplish historical feats,” Rothoff said.

Raske said that Wachter has made herself right at home with the runners that have been in the program and were returning this season.

“She’s always got a smile on her face and is a pleasure to have on the team,” Raske said.

Rothoff said the consistent Wachter is a very likeable person.

“She is someone you could feed off,” Rothoff said.

Wachter heads to her first Big Sky Championship this week and is looking to continue her sensational freshman season leading the Sac State women.

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Matt Vevoda can be reached at [email protected]