Lady Falcons’ Ross signs to run for Graceland

LOS FRESNOS - For someone who really wasn't all that keen about running just a few years ago, Al-ice Ross is now quite grateful for the opportunity to continue competing in the sport at the college level.

Ross, a key member of Los Fresnos' cross country and track teams for four years, is headed to Grace-land University in Lamoni, Iowa. She was recognized at a signing ceremony on Tuesday at the high school.

"I used to hate running," said Ross, who graduates Saturday. "My dad (Frank Falcon) got me to go out (for cross country and track in middle school). He taught me to love it, and from there, (good) things began to happen for me."

As a junior and senior, Ross helped the Lady Falcons win back-to-back District 32-5A cross country championships. In track, she ran the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 meters at various times during her four years.

Ross finished 10th in the 32-5A cross country meet last October in San Benito.

She'll compete in cross country and track at Graceland, and plans to study athletic training.

"Alice had a lot of top 10 finishes for us," Los Fresnos cross country and track coach Jennifer Gantt said. "She's been a vital part of our teams, and we're going to miss her, but we're very excited for her."

Gantt said she expects her cross country team to go through a rebuilding phase this fall because of the graduation of Ross, Elia Santamaria, Katia Vega and Nancy Hernandez.

"I'm losing four of my top runners (to graduation), and Alice is one of them," Gantt said.

Other members of the Lady Falcons who were instrumental in the back-to-back cross country district titles include underclassmen Samantha Fish, Carolyn Urbis and Cora Gonzalez.

Gantt said she has special feelings for Ross and Santamaria because as freshmen, they were the only two runners on the Lady Falcons' cross country varsity squad when she took over as coach in 2004.

"It's been great to have them with me," she said.

Ross is the daughter of Frank and Andrea Falcon.

"I'm just so excited for her," Andrea Falcon said of her daughter. "She's made a lot of progress through the years, and this (running in college) has been the goal that she's wanted."

Added Frank Falcon, an assistant cross country and track coach for the Falcons: "It's a great feeling, and we're very proud of her that she's reached this point. I know she's worked hard and she's earned it."

Ross said she is ready to take the next step in her academic and athletic careers by going to college. She said she'll report to Graceland on Aug. 16. Before leaving for Iowa, she'll be training with the Lady Falcons this summer.

"I've had some amazing seasons here, and now I'm just looking forward to going on to college," Ross said. "I'm a little nervous, but at the same time, I'm excited to start something new and to continue run-ning.

"I'm just going to try my best (at Graceland)," she added. "The coaches there have told me that they think I'll be one of their top runners. I'm looking forward to that."