Nova Ojutankgas: The Redhawk sophomore making waves in cross country

Since joining the Redhawks roster this season, redshirt sophomore Nova Ojutankgas has caught many people’s attention. After winning the Redhawk invitational, she was named OVC Female Runner of the Week, adding to her growing list of achievements.

Ojutankgas’s experience and intense training back home has supplemented her ability to compete at a high level. Cross Country head coach Ryan Lane praised Nova’s readiness from day one.

“She’s already aware of what it takes to be a high-level athlete. That’s what makes her so unique because typically the first year I have kids I need [them] to adjust, but she hasn’t needed any at all,”Lane said.

Ojutankgas, a French native, is spending her first year not only on the team but also in the United States. She said the team has made her transition easier.

“It’s been really good. It was easy for me because everyone on the team was so nice. I love it here and I think I made a good decision to come,” Ojutankgas said.

She trained with intense, high volume workouts during her preseason and was listed as a runner to watch.

“I couldn’t wait for the first meet because I felt like my training went very well,” Ojutankgas said.

While winning the Redhawk invitational was a great success for her, She said winning first in the U20 race was her biggest achievement.

“I think my biggest achievement would be the U20 race. It was my first big race, and I finished first.” Ojutankgas said.

Not only did she win the Swedish U20, she also qualified for the U20 Nordic Cross Championship in Norway, the U20 European Championship and was the French U18 Champion for the 10K.

Ojutankgas’ main goal for the remainder of the season is to qualify for the NCAA Cross Country Championship.

“I know that is very difficult because you have to be top 10, so I need to be in the best shape during Regionals to help me qualify.” Ojutankgas said.

Freshman teammate Mattea Pearsall spoke about Ojutankgas’ dedication to the sport and a relentless work ethic.

“She's very determined and trains twice a day, she’s nonstop training,” Pearsall said.

Ojutankgas’ will conclude the regular season in the Angel Mound invitational on Oct. 18.