Katie Howlin ’12
This year, one of Episcopal’s foreign exchange students is bringing more to the school community than international experiences and culture. Georgia Wassall, Australian exchange student and member of the V Form is bringing her athletic prowess to Episcopal’s cross country and track teams.
Cross country coach Laurie Smith said, “We are very excited to have Georgia on the team. She had a strong first race and is only going to get stronger.”
This sentiment was echoed by girls cross country captain Kristin Greenwood ‘12, who is excited to get such a talented runner on the team. “She will help out a lot; she came at the perfect time before our biggest races.”
Wassall, who will attend Episcopal through December, has been running for about five years but only started running cross country last year when she said she “got into it and got good at it.” The accomplished athlete runs year-round, competing in track and field, cross country, and even triathlons. She stated that her coach got her into the triathlons because the swimming and bicycling are good ways to cross train for cross country and track. Despite participating in a number of different races, Wassall said that the 800 meter is her favorite event. It was in the 800 meter race that she came in second at this year’s Australian Nationals, a meet she equates to states. Wassall also placed third in the 1500 meter at Australian Nationals.
Wassall chose to come to the United States after talking with Sophie Meere, one of the Australian exchange students from last year. Sophie’s positive experience at Episcopal, especially with regards to sports compelled Wassall to come to Episcopal.
Wassall’s future is promising in both track and cross country. “[I want to] keep running and training, and maybe represent Australia one day.”