BC Duo Worked Together To Go 1-2 And Make U.S. XC Team

By Mary Albl of DyeStat

(Photos by Justin Britton)

Boston College freshmen runners Nicole Clermont and Kayla Smith are classmates, teammates and roommates.

"They know each other pretty well," long-time Boston College cross country and track coach Randy Thomas said.

So on Feb. 2 with 1,000 meters to go in the USATF Junior Cross Country Championship race in Tallahassee, Fla., instead of fighting each other for the top spot along the 6,000-meter course, the natural instinct was to work together.

"They had each other to feed off each other, which is very important," Thomas said.

The two put together a memorable 1-2 finish, as Clermont, the 5-foot-3 runner from Franklin, Mass., won the race in 21 minutes, 14 seconds, with Smith right behind in 21:18.2.

"I think we both just had a plan to work together," Clermont said. "I had dreams of breaking the tape before, and I've visualized that moment, but it actually coming true was crazy. And just turning around and seeing Kayla finish second was so unbelievable to me. It was just such a happy moment for me."

With their finish, Clermont and Smith qualified to compete March 30 at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Aarhus, Denmark. Clermont and Smith are the first two Boston College runners to finish 1-2, and Clermont is the first USATF cross country champion under Thomas' direction.

So how did two runners from Boston College with relatively low profiles manage this feat?

"It’s the first class I've had in a few years where I've had kids who really seriously could benefit from going to a competition like this," Thomas said.

Thomas explained he approached the pair with the idea of running this race after their first collegiate cross country season ended in early November. Clermont and Smith love cross country and jumped on the idea.

The two have different running styles and personalities, but both grew up with running in their genes and a desire and discipline to excel in the sport.

"Growing up I always looked up to my mom (Mary) because she was a runner in college," Clermont said.

"My dad (Matthew) he exposed me to the running world," Smith added. "It was the same mentality of you work hard to do well."

Smith, who came to Boston College from St. John's International School in Waterloo, Belgium, has spent much of her life living abroad. Her mom, Mary Ellen, works for the state department, so for the past 10 years she has lived in Russia, The Netherlands, and most recently, Belgium.

"The U.S. has always been my home. I've come back every summer, but it's been really cool to experience kind of the running scene in Europe," Smith said.

Rather than redshirt this winter, Thomas has used this indoor season to prepare Clermont and Smith for their cross country races while also letting them get a first taste of collegiate track and field. He's used a training plan of low-mileage running mixed with cross training. He said the two came back from winter break in better shape than when they left.

Before flying to Florida, both runners put down big personal bests in 3,000 meters at the Terrier Classic, with Clermont clocking 9:40 and Smith going 9:49.68.

"I think that they sensed that they were ready to really attack this (cross country) race," Thomas said.

The lead up to Denmark will feature more of the same training -- a combination of running and cross training. 

“Why change the recipe? If you make a great apple pie, why would you start adding other things to make it even better?" Thomas asked.

On Friday, the pair put down solid times in the mile at the Boston University David Hemery Valentine Invitational, as Clermont ran 4:50.43 and Smith finished in 5:00.35. Next up are the ACC and ECAC Championships and then it's off to Worlds.

"The plan is to have a great indoor season, while also keeping the fitness high and strength that's needed for cross country," Smith said. "Our coach believes that you can train for both at the same time, and after last weekend, I believe that."

Clermont and Smith said the goal at the World Championships is to represent the United States the best they can. The two are relishing the opportunity to run together.

"That's the best part of it," Clermont said. "We don't have to travel alone. It’s just going to be so much fun making memories together."