With many students hailing from New England and the mid-Atlantic, some might feel Elon University is not a true North Carolina school. At times, finding someone from North Carolina, or the South in general, can be a bit of a challenge.
But the Phoenix does provide North Carolina flair in forms other than salmon shorts and Sperrys. Junior cross country runner Luis Vargas brings talented, true North Carolina blood to the Elon community.
Hailing from Angier, N.C., Vargas proved to be the well-rounded student athlete for which Elon traditionally looks. Vargas received honors during his four years at Harnett Central High School. Along with his academic accolades, Vargas was honored for his success in cross country by being named team MVP four times and receiving all-conference selection four times. He proved he was one of the top runners in the Tar Heel State by placing third overall in the cross country state meet in 2010 as a senior.
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In 2011, Vargas continued his remarkable success into his freshman year at Elon.
“I only have four years at Elon,” Vargas said. “I want to make the most out of all of them.”
Following his largely successful freshman year, Vargas was named to the Southern Conference All-Freshman Team and All-Conference Second Team.
“He had an extraordinary year in 2011,” said head coach Christine Engel.
Engel and the rest of the Phoenix watched Vargas continue his success into his sophomore year last season — one in which he broke two school records.
First, Vargas set the school record in the 8K at the Royal Cross Country Challenge Oct. 12 with a time of 24:16. Then, Vargas broke the 10K record at the Southeast Regional Championships Nov. 9, posting a time of 31:35.37.
Perhaps Vargas’ most impressive feat in 2012 was being named First Team All-Southern Conference with a sixth overall finish in the Conference Championship meet Oct. 27. There, he became the first male cross country runner in school history to be named to the First Team.
As Vargas and Engel pointed out, the drive to continue improving remains.
“Since he is a year older, he can handle a little bit more volume in training,” Engel said. “And having two years of racing experience under his belt, he will be able to run with a little bit more confidence, which will help him in certain situations in all different races.”
The increased intensity will be partnered with strong attention to detail. Vargas plans to focus on what he calls “the little things.”
“Doing second runs, eating healthier, getting to bed earlier,” he said. “Just doing the little things that add up over time.”
But Vargas’ continued desire for success is not sparked by any outside forces.
Despite setting high expectations for himself with his impressive freshman and sophomore seasons, Vargas said there is no added pressure on him this season.
“Every year there’s pressure,” he said. “But in the long run, I look to do the little things so I can meet the standard I have for myself.”
Before Vargas and the rest of the Phoenix began their 2013 campaign, the squad participated in a complete preseason workout, including the chance to escape campus and focus solely on running.
In a program that began Aug. 18, the men’s team left for a brief yet intense training camp.
“It’s different when you’re running by yourself compared to when you’re back at school,” Vargas said.
Training camp allowed Vargas to prepare himself for his highly anticipated junior season. The back-to-back team MVP was free of all distractions and hype surrounding him. Yet at the end of the day, Vargas loves cross country.
“Every second counts in our sport, and that’s the beauty of it,” he said.