Senior hurdler Asia Bange said she is looking to close out her career at Marshall University on a high note as the team prepares for the Catamount Classic Friday in Cullowhee, North Carolina.

Bange won the the 100m Hurdles Saturday at the Hilltopper Relays with a time of 13.78.

Bange said while she has enjoyed her time at Marshall, when she first arrived in Huntington, it was not what she expected.

“Coming here wasn’t what I expected because when I came in the summer for my visit, it gave me a city vibe,” the Columbus, Ohio-native said. “But when I got here, it was more down-played and there was not as much to do.”

Bange said during the early portion of her Marshall career, she was not satisfied with her results.

“I was kind of disappointed because in my freshman year, I got injured,” Bange said. “So, it took a while to come back. But coming into my junior year, I did really well by improving week by week.”

Senior distance runner Alexandra Phares two top-10 finishes in the Hilltopper Relays, said she can see her teammate’s progression over the years.

“She is really good at what she does,” Phares said. “So, I think anytime someone with positive energy and success comes, it just motivates us all.”

Bange said her favorite thing about Marshall is the connection her and her teammates have built.

“My teammates and I connect and relate so well that when we get together, it is all laughs,” Bange said. “And we support each other through all events.”

Bange, who is a physical education major, said she has yet to decide her next move once she graduates in May.

“I am thinking about coming back and entering into grad school,” Bange said. “But if not, I’ll will probably go back home to Columbus and look for work in my field.”

Bange said she is also considering a career as a physical trainer to ensure other athletes are healthy and prepared to compete in their respective sports.

Christian Hisman can be contacted at [email protected].