Contributed by Coach John Mackey
It had been exactly five weeks since former Mansfield runner Jadelynn Wood last competed for her University of Arkansas Rich Mountain Bucks cross country team. Sidelined with an overuse injury common to young runners, Wood made a successful return on October 27 to compete in the NJCAA Region II championships.
Racing off the starting line for the first time in over a month, Wood ran well in the women’s 5K championship race hosted by UARM at the Mena Lions Disc Golf Course. The college freshman mastered her fears of returning from injury to round the two loops in 24:26.69. The time was a UARM team best and the seventh fastest mark of the afternoon for the women. Because Jacksonville College’s participation was excluded from the regional standings, Wood’s mark was officially elevated to fourth place.
“I was very nervous to come back after the injury,” messaged Wood to her high school coach, John Mackey. “I felt really scared for the race because it was my first race back and I didn’t know how I was going to do.”
Wood had recently battled what medical staff diagnosed as apophysitis of the iliac crest. The injury occurred not long after her last competitive race which was held on September 23 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. That Cowboy Jamboree hosted by Oklahoma State University along the Greiner Family XC Course was where Wood ran her first 6K race.
An inflammation or stress injury occurred around the curved part of Wood’s upper right hip soon after the race and subsequent follow up practices. Pain to the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues surrounding her growth plates were felt in that localized area. According to medical personnel that particular type of injury can sometimes be experienced with repetitive activities such as running.
“I feel like I missed out on a lot because of my injury,” continued Wood. “The race was very tough. That course is never easy but I definitely ran a good race.”
Wood shared that her road to recovery in preparation for the regional meet was not without stress. She was relegated to ice, rest, and stationary bike rides for the last month. She also had to attend physical therapy twice a week to promote healing and regain strength.
Despite the long detour in making her way to postseason competition racing, Wood was excited with her individual results and her most recent National Junior College Athletic Association medal.
“I didn’t even know I was getting it,” said the surprised distance runner. “I wish Karen (Campos) would’ve gotten one too. She was so close.”
Karen Campos, another Buck freshman, finished in 12th place overall and in 8th in the regional standings. Their third teammate Adriana Montiel was 26th.
The NJCAA Division II National Championship will be in Huntsville, Alabama on November 11. It will conclude Rich Mountains’ cross country schedule that began way back on August 25 at the Bucks Season Opener.
“I’m very sad now that my season is almost over,” offered Mansfield’s former team captain and Rich Mountain’s lead runner for a large portion of the season. ”But, I’m excited for our national meet coming up.”
