October 20, 2006

Commerce, Texas

Twins do a lot of things together, and they are often a lot alike. For the Texas A&M-Commerce Women's Cross Country team, they are very familiar with this thought.

Twin sisters Andra Bickel and Kara Bickel joined the cross country team their freshman year in 2003.

Heading into this weekend's Lone Star Conference cross country meet, the Bickel twins are continuing a trend that started during their freshman year at nearby Lone Oak High School.

Andra Bickel

The sisters have finished less than 40 seconds apart in 11 of 14 races they have run together at A&M - Commerce.

Out of those 11 races, 6 of the finishes were less than 15 seconds apart. When asked about the close finishes in races, the sisters remarked, "Of course, we want to beat each other, but most of the time when we run, we aren't necessarily trying to finish with each other, it just happens."

Both sisters agree that having each other on the same team has helped them in many ways. "We always have a running and training partner. It helps to have someone else that you can count on, to train with you," said Kara.

"In the summer, everyone goes their separate ways. It's easier for us to train during the summer, because we have the constant motivation from each other to run. Of course, with sibling rivalry, you always try to do better than the other when you do stuff, so if one of us is running, then we try to match what she is doing, and do a little more than the other," Andra stated.

Cross Country Head Coach Pat Ponder reflected on the Bickel sisters consistency and overall leadership. "They have been pretty consistent in training and races since they ran in high school. They were originally walk-ons, but both have gradually earned scholarships and spots on the team. They have also proven to be great leaders in and out of the classroom."

When asked what advice they would give to prospective student-athletes about balancing academics and athletics, Kara said, "It's definitely harder to be a college student-athlete, because there is more responsibility, because you not only represent your team, but you are also representing your university. Remember that you are here to focus on academics, because lots of freshmen forget that. It's important to learn how to balance academics and athletics 50/50, but you have to learn how to set limits, be dedicated to what you are involved with, and don't spread yourself thin.

Andra expanded Kara's remarks by saying, "You really do have to focus, and your primary focus should be on school, don't focus all on your sport, to the point where you forget about your classes. Ask for help from others - teammates are great resources for classes. Time management is also very important; you are here for academics, being a college student-athlete is an added bonus. Students also need to remember that unlike high school, where teachers would help you without you asking, you have to take the initiative in college, to go and ask the professor for help if you don't understand something."

The Bickel sisters and the rest of the Texas A&M-Commerce cross country team will compete at the Lone Star Conference Championships, hosted by Tarleton State, this weekend.