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Annette Fare has become the first athlete to sign on with Montcalm Community College’s cross country program in more than 40 years. 

“After running for the first time in high school, I fell in love with the running community, Fare said. “Everyone is welcoming and it is a judgment free zone. I want to stay a part of it! Running has many positive effects on a person both mentally and physically, but the team and people are the best part. After meeting Coach Sweeney, I knew I wanted to be a part of the team. He is a passionate coach who goes the extra mile to make his team feel supported.” 

Cross Country Coach Kevin Sweeney recruited Fare to be part of the team, which expects to begin league competition fall 2023. 

“Having Annette sign to run cross country at MCC is a big first step for our program,” Sweeney said.  “Annette is a great athlete, student and an even better person.  She will make our women's team better not only athletically, but also with her personality and work ethic.” 

Fare ran cross country her senior year at Greenville High School because she injured her shoulder during volleyball season. She was looking for a “shoulder friendly” sport to keep her in shape for softball season, so she joined the cross country team.  

“I earned the captain spot on my high school team and learned a lot about myself as an athlete,” she said. “My teammates helped me learn rules and tricks to get faster. This season taught me the importance of learning how to ask for help from others. Before this season I misunderstood the role of a captain. I thought captains had to be the most knowledgeable and the best athletes. My high school coaches and teammates showed me that a captain is someone who works hard and is welcoming to others. A captain has to be open-minded and willing to learn.” 

Sweeney talked about how exciting it is to have Fare join the team. 

“Annette brings strength as a runner, high level of academic commitment, and leadership to what will be a very young team,” he said. “I have also noticed a passion for running and life in general.” 

Fare is looking forward to the opportunities she will have running for MCC. 

“Continuing my cross country career at MCC provides an opportunity for me to grow,” she said. “I get to train with a new coach and team that will continue to push me. I am excited to learn more with the help of new teammates. I am most excited to be surrounded by hard-working teammates and a heartfelt coach. With only having ran one season, I am eager to learn more about what this sport has to offer.” 

Aside from playing softball and running cross country, Fare is a member of Greenville Youth Advisory Council, Interact, Be Nice, and National Honor Society. She also works at her family’s pizza place, Momma’s Boy. Despite being around pizza most of her life, she said she doesn’t actually like pizza. 

Media contact:
Shelly Springborn
Director of Communications and Public Relations
shellys@montcalm.edu
989-560-0833