Austin is about to feel the sting on the track as three-time state champion, and star runner from Elysian Fields, Cara Sims announced her commitment to further her academic, cross country and track career at the University of Texas.
Sims chose Texas over Central Arkansas and Texas State.
“I am so excited to be moving forward with my commitment to the University of Texas. I can’t wait to be part of a team that will push me, help me flourish and bring out my best self. Representing Elysian Fields and Marshall means the world to me and I can’t wait to put our town on the map for cross country and track,” said Sims.
Sims is one of the most decorated distance runners in East Texas and the best to ever come out of Elysian Fields.
Competing in Class 3A her freshman and sophomore years and Class 2A her junior and senior years, she has accumulated many accolades throughout her high school career.
In cross country, she’s a four-time District Champion, earned third at Regionals and fifth at State her freshman year, second at Regionals and ninth at State her sophomore year and placed first at Regionals and was crowned the State Champion with a time of 11:34 her junior year.
In track, she’s a three-time District and Area Champion in the 800-meter, 1600-meter and 3200-meter races.
Her freshman year, she placed second at Regionals in the 1600 and eighth at State. She placed second at Regionals in the 1600 and 3200 and fourth in the 800 and placed second and fifth at State in the 3200 and 1600, respectively.
Her junior year displayed the best times she’s ever had on the track.
She earned three Regional Championships in the 800, 1600 and 3200. At State, she placed fifth in the 800 but it’s the 1600 and 3200 races that showed she is the best in 2A and one of the best in Texas.
She broke two state records in both the 1600 and 3200. She ran a time of 5:03 in the 1600 and broke the 3200 record by 20 seconds with a time of 10:47.
There aren’t many runners from East Texas who go on to compete at the Division I level–especially female runners. With going to Texas and competing in the SEC, Sims wants everyone to know that it doesn’t matter where you come from. If you work hard and put your all into the sport, you can achieve your goals. She hopes to be a role model for young kids and come back to Marshall to share her experience as a Division I athlete.
“Inspiring [the younger generation] to do something hard, and maybe not as popular, as distance runners is something I’ve always cared deeply about and dreamed of. This sport is truly special to me; it strengthens your mind, your body and your character. It teaches discipline, humility, perseverance and it really makes you a better person,” said Sims.
Sims uses two phrases from the Bible that’s helped guide her throughout her running career.
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” and Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
“Trusting that truth has brought me so much peace through this journey. I am beyond thankful and blessed for this opportunity to go out, adventure and do something new and wonderful,” said Sims.
The recruiting process for an athlete, no matter the level, can be extremely grueling and mentally taxing. There can be times of self-doubt and wondering if you’re able to compete at such a high level. Sims’ dream is coming true and it did not come without her hard work, support system and dedication to her sport.
“When I started the recruiting process, I honestly doubted myself. I’m still in awe that I will get to run Division I cross country and track at the University of Texas. I am endlessly grateful for my community, my support system, my parents and, most importantly, my faith in God,” said Sims, “I can’t wait to come back to Marshall one day to share my story and encourage other kids to chase their dreams too.”