Each week the USF Varsity Club and GoUSFBulls.com will feature a Varsity Club Alum of the Week, highlighting their experiences in college and professionally, in addition to what they are currently up to. This week's feature highlights former USF Christa Benton. Benton was named the 2001 Conference USA Freshman of the Year in cross country before earning Athlete of the Year honors in 2004. USF's only All-American in cross country, Benton took second at the NCAA nationals in 2003.
The purpose of the Varsity Club is to encourage past USF athletics members to be lifelong members of the USF Athletics family and to strengthen the bond between them, the University, and the department of intercollegiate athletics. The Bulls Varsity Club will strive to provide its members with the opportunity to foster and maintain relationships across different sports and generations thus promoting the interest and mission of the University of South Florida.
To become a member of the USF Varsity Club contact Kemel Thompson at (813) 974-7180 or by email at kthompson@admin.usf.edu.
Varsity Club Website
What years did you compete while at USF? What were some of your accomplishments?
"I competed on the varsity level from 2001 to 2005 in cross country and indoor and outdoor track. In 2001, I was named Conference USA Cross Country Freshman of the Year, and I competed in my first NCAA Cross Country National meet. In 2002, I became USF's only cross country All-American at the NCAA Cross Country National meet in Terre Haute, Ind. In 2004, I was named Conference USA Cross Country Athlete of the Year for placing the highest at the NCAA Cross Country National meet. In indoor and outdoor track from 2002 - 05, I scored for USF in the following distances: 3K, 5K and 10K, placing in the top 3 in Conference USA."
What have you been doing since your days as a Bull?
"Since graduation, I have been teaching elementary music at Plumb Elementary School in Clearwater, Fla., and at Northside Christian School in St. Petersburg, Fla."
You have been an active runner, competing in marathons and other races, since you left USF. Tell us about what you are doing on that front.
"I have competed as part of the Florida Finest Team at the Disney Marathon, finishing in second place once and third place twice. My best finishes in the Boston Marathon include a 20th place finish in 2008 and a 28th place finish in 2009. I have also competed as part of Team USA in the NACAC (North America, Central America, Caribbean) Cross Country Championship. I stay active in the local running community by competing in many local racing events from 5Ks to half marathons. I have won the Gasparilla 15K twice. It is one of my favorite races along with the Iron Girl, Holiday Halfathon, Turkey Trot and the Suncoast Classic. I plan to run both Disney and Boston again this year with the hope of achieving an Olympic Trials qualifying time for the marathon. Last summer, I tried mountain racing and finished in the top 10 at USATF's National Mountain Racing Championship in North Conway, N.H."
What did you learn from your athletic days that you've been able to apply to your everyday life?
"Competing taught me to always try my best and be prepared with solid training. I learned to challenge myself and not to settle for less than my best. These are lessons that serve me well in my everyday life."
What do you miss most about competing in collegiate athletics?
"I miss the level of competition and enjoying the support of a coach and team."
What was your most memorable moment from your athletic days?
"There are just too many to list. I feel so rich in wonderful, unforgettable memories from that time."
Do you still keep in contact with some of your former coaches and teammates?
"Yes. Things like Facebook and email networking help in this. My teammates and coaches will always be very dear to me."
Have you been able to stay involved with the program?
"Yes, I think Kemel does a very good job keeping us connected. I thoroughly enjoyed our track reunion last year, and I am looking forward to others."
How do you see the USF cross country/track program growing over the next several years?
"I feel that USF track and cross country will continue to grow in the future. Both have always been excellent USF sport programs offering great opportunities to athletes willing to train hard to be the best they can. Being part of the Big East ensures top competition which will set the bar high."
