SMALL COLLEGE NOTEBOOK
Smith a reluctant national champion
By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer
Brigham Young Hawai'i's Chelsea Smith has yet to become comfortable holding the title of defending NCAA Division II cross country champion.
The former walk-on from Mead, Wash., surprised everyone last season by winning the 6-kilometer national race in Raleigh, N.C., after finishing 57th in 2002.
"I don't like that title," Smith said. "It scares me. It's easier to be on the bottom and go to the top, than to be at the top and stay there."
Smith, a junior, is the first NCAA individual cross country champion in BYUH history. She is bidding to become the first two-time NCAA Division II women's winner since Kennesaw State's Marjo Venalainen in 1999-2000.
"I do feel like last year was a fluke," said Smith, 20. "I got lucky or something. The goal this year? I want to do it all again. I want to see if I can do better."
Smith got off to a good start this season by winning the Chaminade Invitational at La'ie on Sept. 4. In July, she won the Deseret Morning News/KJZZ TV women's marathon at Salt Lake City, Utah. It was her first completed marathon. Previously, she entered the Ogden Marathon once but did not finish.
BYUH coach Norman Kaluhiokalani believes Smith can defend her title. But she'll have to deal with the pressure of being the nation's top runner, he said.
"Of course, you're a target," Kaluhiokalani said. "She's got good work ethics. I think she has every chance to do it.
"Chelsea is a different character," he continued. "She's very conscious about what happened last year and she's looking forward to this year. She works hard and she's not living on her laurels."
Smith's accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. According to Kaluhiokalani, BYUH has seen growing interest in its women's cross country program since Smith won her title.
"I would say a dozen inquiries from parents and kids who have heard about Chelsea and wanted to know what the program is about," Kaluhiokalani said. "It helps. (The inquiries) have doubled."
Smith said she's honored that her accomplishments are sparking interest in the program and the school.
"I feel great about that," Smith said. "That's one reason I like running for the school and why I choose to stay here. I want to represent BYUH and I love this school. I believe in its mission. I want to represent the church. If I can bring a positive impression to the school, then that's a huge success for me."
Smith said she truly enjoys the sport of cross country. Many times, Smith said she tries different training routes to add fun to her workouts.
"I have never done the same run more than once," she said. "I live on the North Shore. There's a lot of pretty areas to run. During the summer, I live in Washington state. There's tons of pretty areas to run there, too."
Smith said she runs to places like Sunset Beach, the Crouching Lion, or areas stocked with guava trees and papaya fields where she can munch and run.
"I love food," said Smith, who is an exercise and sport science major and holds a 3.86 GPA. "I stay away from refined sugars or really fatty food. (But) I eat more than most guys do."
In her spare time, Smith holds an internship with the Women, Infants and Children program (WIC). The federally funded program assists low-income women and children with nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care. One of Smith's assignments is to help with an upcoming health fair by making display boards and games.
Smith also works at the Polynesian Cultural Center as a waitress. In May, Smith said she's scheduled to marry Southern Utah University student Brian McKell.
"She's just a good kid," Kaluhiokalani said. "The kids look up to her. They recognize her strength. It's great to work with an athlete who doesn't have an attitude."
Reach Brandon Masuoka at 535-2458 or bmasuoka@honoluluadvertiser.com.
