2008 Woodie Awards
Motivated to succeed
Mule Profile: Jenna Belisonzi
Allison Auclair
Issue date: 9/23/04 Section: Sports
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As the captain of the Mules Cross Country team, Senior Jenna Belisonzi brings skill, knowledge, and experience to the young, but talented group. The 5’3 long distance runner from Wycoff, NJ graduated from Immaculate Heart Academy with varsity letters in both cross country and track, and continues her involvement with both sports at the ’Berg.
Belisonzi has been “the Mule leader” this season, leading her team to their first away win in history at the McDaniel Invitational on Sept. 16. The Mules have made regional rankings for the first time, placing seventh in the Mideast Region as of Sept 20.
Despite these team accomplishments, Belisonzi has reached important personal milestones as well. Last season she was chosen for the second team All Centennial Conference and All-Mideast Region last season, by placing 14th and 16th, respectively, at those meets. Belisonzi recently had a career best finish at the 2004 McDaniel Invitational, being the first Mule and the third overall runner to finish the race.
It has not always been easy for Belisonzi, however, she had hip surgery and missed 2002 season. This hardship was only motivation for Belisonzi to come back stronger than ever. “Ever since my surgery, I have been pretty careful about staying healthy and not getting hurt. Its important to me not to let things get me down, which is why after my surgery I was more eager to get out there and prove myself than ever,” Belisonzi said.
And she did just that. After spending most of 2002 on crutches or going through physical therapy, Belisonzi came back, and was the first Mule runner to finish and the eighth runner, out of 221, to cross the line at the 2003 DeSales Invitational. “For me, going through something difficult just makes coming back to something and achieving success even sweeter. I worked hard to make sure that my injury wouldn’t harm the remainder of my college career, and with the help of my friends and family, I think I have definitely achieved this goal”
Belisonzi has been “the Mule leader” this season, leading her team to their first away win in history at the McDaniel Invitational on Sept. 16. The Mules have made regional rankings for the first time, placing seventh in the Mideast Region as of Sept 20.
Despite these team accomplishments, Belisonzi has reached important personal milestones as well. Last season she was chosen for the second team All Centennial Conference and All-Mideast Region last season, by placing 14th and 16th, respectively, at those meets. Belisonzi recently had a career best finish at the 2004 McDaniel Invitational, being the first Mule and the third overall runner to finish the race.
It has not always been easy for Belisonzi, however, she had hip surgery and missed 2002 season. This hardship was only motivation for Belisonzi to come back stronger than ever. “Ever since my surgery, I have been pretty careful about staying healthy and not getting hurt. Its important to me not to let things get me down, which is why after my surgery I was more eager to get out there and prove myself than ever,” Belisonzi said.
And she did just that. After spending most of 2002 on crutches or going through physical therapy, Belisonzi came back, and was the first Mule runner to finish and the eighth runner, out of 221, to cross the line at the 2003 DeSales Invitational. “For me, going through something difficult just makes coming back to something and achieving success even sweeter. I worked hard to make sure that my injury wouldn’t harm the remainder of my college career, and with the help of my friends and family, I think I have definitely achieved this goal”