Adams State student-athletes Stephanie Cotter, Eilish Flanagan and Róisín Flanagan have become global ambassadors for Adams State University thanks to their success in the running world.
The trio represented their home country, Ireland, in the European Cross Country Championships held on Dec. 8 in Lisbon, Portugal. They were accompanied by Adams State Director of Cross Country and Track & Field Damon Martin.
Cotter finished third in the European Championships and Ireland finished second in the team standings thanks to the performances of the Adams State runners and their Ireland teammates. Their performance generated world-wide attention, including this article from the Irish Times.
Just a week earlier, Cotter won the NCAA D2 Cross Country title and Adams State won the team title. Eilish Flanagan finished second and Róisín Flanagan third to lead Adams State to its 66th overall national team title in the sport of running.
“I wish to say a few words by thanking Adams State University, the good citizens of Alamosa and you personally for all the support and nurturing given to Stephanie Cotter, Eilish & Róisín Flanagan since they began their academic and athletic quest,” wrote Michael Cotter, Stephanie’s dad, in a letter to Adams State Athletic Director Larry Mortensen. “These three young women have grown and matured in confidence and ability in so many ways from the first touch down in the beautiful San Luis Valley. They are a credit to Coach Damon Martin, the support staff and the faculty. This weekend in Lisbon, Portugal, a Grizzly Storm blew in from Colorado at the European XCountry Championships and stole the show. It’s caught the athletic world’s imagination that it’s the size of your heart and the strength of your beliefs that matters. These three ladies ran for their University & Country with pride. Stephanie, Eilish and Roisin have Grizzly Hearts. They showed how proud they are in being Adams State University students. Adams State University has broken down many borders in Europe this week. It’s exciting, and I’m passionate when I say that all of you up there in Alamosa, Colorado have made a huge and positive impact in not only Ireland but 37 other Nations across Europe. So well done to all and please let the good people who have contributed along the way, that they collectively have made the difference on shores far away but yet so close in Heart. Kindest Regards, Michael Cotter.”
