Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Fayetteville runner Craig chooses “better” over “bitter”
FAYETTEVILLE — Fayetteville cross country coach Michelle Fyfe had a clear message for Gabe Craig when he displayed disappointment after being dropped from the varsity for the state meet at Hot Springs last fall.
“We took him as an alternate and he was very upset,” Fyfe said. “In outdoor track he made state in the 3,200, but he didn’t have a great race. I told him he had two options; to get bitter or get better.”
Craig chose the second option and got busy through the summer and into his senior season, where he’s now one of the top cross country runners for the Bulldogs. Craig was the top finisher for Fayetteville when the Bulldogs placed second at the 31st Chile Pepper Festival at Agri Park on Oct. 5. He finished 17th overall after running the 5,000-meter course in 15:57.5.
Fayetteville was initially announced as the winner of the race. But Southlake (Texas) Carroll overtook the Bulldogs after a missing chip from a Southlake runner was discovered and entered into the final standings.
Craig took the disappointment in stride and resolved to do even better the next time out.
“We’re going to use that as motivation the same way I used missing state last year,” Craig said. “I had some horrible races last year and I didn’t run at state as a result. That, obviously, feels horrible seeing my friends and coaches compete and not being able to participate and help. That definitely motivated me for the track season. Then, during the summer, I hit it hard.”
Fyfe has seen up close the change in Craig, who has been
a cross country runner for three years at Fayetteville.
“This summer was a transformation,” Fyfe said. “He worked his tail off. He’s been killing it. He’s up there with my top guys. He believes in himself and he’s been healthy all season.”
Craig and his Fayetteville teammates have shown there is life after Camren Fischer, a three-time Arkansas Gatorade Athlete of the Year in Cross Country. Fischer is now a freshman runner at Princeton after winning three consecutive state championships in cross country with the Bulldogs.
“Camren did a great job building up the program, but I think we’ve shown we can succeed without him,” Craig said. “Arguably, you could say we’re doing even better this year as a team.”
Fayetteville is a tight-knit group that extends to the Fayetteville girls team where Craig dates Grace Litzinger, a top runner for the Lady Bulldogs. Craig and his close friend, Carter Betts, crossed the final line at Chile Pepper within seconds of each other. Another teammate, Anton Michna, finished a few seconds behind the two.
“I just want to prove I’m worthy of being there,” said Craig, who posted a personal-best of 15:42 during a meet at Missouri Southern earlier this year. “I didn’t do that last year when I felt I had let myself and my teammates down.”
Craig’s sense of belonging extends to his family with his mother, Melissa, and stepfather, Ryan Craig, who adopted him a few years ago.
“My dad wasn’t around and it hurt sometimes,” Craig said. “But I really appreciate my mom and the rest of the family I have.”
His extended family includes the Fayetteville cross country team, where Craig has proven his worthiness many times over this season with his ability and attitude.
“He is truly one of the kindest and most genuine kids I have ever coached,” Fyfe said. “He is a rare gift. I love him like a son.”