Sarah Bowman, arguebably the state's most talented female distance runner is ending her cross country season early due to a back injury that has hindered her racing performances this fall due to the extreme pain associated with the injury. The end of her season was confirmed by Fauquier coach Scott Murphy as Bowman will try to rest up and heal in time for the Foot Locker South regional race, but Bowman might be out until the track season.

Message from Coach Scott Murphy:

I wanted to give you a heads up that there's been a change in Sarah's season. After spending the past 6 weeks enduring x-rays, bone scans, MRIs and repeated MRIs - and running in constant pain through the season to date, we've had to make a tough choice. Watching Sarah run the last half of the Northwestern District meet in extreme pain yesterday was the determining factor for all involved, and actually made it an easier decision.

At the advice of her coaches (track and cross country) and her trainer, and with the support of her family and the Fauquier team, Sarah is ending her Virginia 2003 Cross Country season early.

None of us have enjoyed watching her endure this so that she wouldn't 'let her team down' in her words. Our collective hope is that two weeks of absolute rest will let the healing begin, and hopefully allow Sarah to begin running again at that time. With any luck, she'll be back in form for Footlocker, and having fun again in the process.

Whether she can return to finish this season or not, we're just glad she has been able to accept this as gracefully as she has, and that she'll begin to feel better.

Everyone involved is thankful for all of those who have expressed concern at Sarah's obvious pain, and especially those who have noticed and commented on her courage throughout.

Equally important (especially to Sarah) is that when she does return it will be as the fast, healthy, fun young lady we all know and love!

Thanks again for all of your support!

-'Coach Scott'