The Queens of Rock
 
Senior cross country runners MIA RIVERA and JULIANA MERLO share more than a good portion of the top 10 cross country and track and field times in program history, early-morning training times, and a love for studying outside on campus. 
 
The two met as freshmen and have been inseparable since. 
 
"When I was a freshman, I met my roommate Jules, and we were close from the start," Rivera recalls. "It's great to have someone who's essentially family with you. She's like a sister now. It's the same with DELANEY LONG. Now, we're the top three on the team, and I'm sure we'll work hard to motivate everyone to have a great season." 
 
Merlo and Rivera have their own methods of running more miles before 8 a.m. than many people will in a week. For starters, there are always the caffeinated options at Meadows Coffee on campus. 
 
"I'm a little crazy for this, but I always go there for a straight black coffee. Or, if I have to, an Americano," Merlo admits. "That's my go-to." 
 
But the biggest rush of the morning comes from the roommates' similar running music playlists. Merlo's top song is "No More Tears," by Ozzy Osbourne, and is from San Antonio,  which was once hailed as the Heavy Metal Music Capital of the World, while Rivera name drops "Master of Puppets" and "Immigrant Song." 
 
"I think Rock music is super cool because it gets you motivated. There's Pink Floyd, AC/DC, and my dad and I love The Doors," Rivera explains. "Jules and I have always loved Rock music because of our dads. Our dads rock." 
 
A New President
 
Men's cross country graduated its three all-conference runners, but it's not a roster devoid of leadership. One voice filling the void is junior WILLIAM SULENTICH, who was selected as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President last spring. 
 
Sulentich replaces graduate Audrey Wistain, marking another year the SAAC President comes from the cross country and track and field program. 
 
The mission of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity, protecting student-athlete welfare, and fostering a positive student-athlete image. 
 
"I want to make the student-athlete community here unlike any other place, where we come together, have fun, and also give back to the community," Sulentich says. "We're in an amazing community, and I want to show the other students the impact and presence we have on campus and in the community." 
 
Welcome to Austin, Coach Rathke
 
St. Edward's head cross country and track and field coach Chase Rathke was hired in late July, arriving on campus just before the student-athletes, with little time to set up his office before the team returned to the Hilltop to prepare for the first meet. 
 
Rathke and his family have gone from UT Tyler to Tarleton State to Georgetown, Texas, and now get the opportunity to explore South Congress.
 
"Austin is an awesome city and we're in a great location," Rathke says. "There are so many places to eat and so many things to do, it's tough to pick a favorite spot. I'm excited to try it all out." 
 
The cross country team explores Austin more than most programs, training early mornings at scenic Zilker Park, Mount Bonnell, or around Town Lake, and Rathke's student-athletes have plenty of recommendations. 
 
"I love Austin. It feels like a small city, but there's so much to do and everyone is active. I'm from El Paso, so I enjoy the change of scenery and all its greenery," Rivera says. "Barton Springs is my favorite. I love swimming there."
 
Merlo and Gonzales love Mozart's Coffee Roasters, nine miles off campus. 
 
"I love to sit outside, and they have live music," Merlo says. 
 
Rathke has plenty of eateries and coffee shops to choose from. In the meantime, he's working on his office decor. 
 
"The office is a little plain right now," Rathke says before revealing his ambitions for the program. "Hopefully, we can start adding some hardware to it."