Lakeside H.S. senior commits to AU cross-country program

Lauren Michael has helped Lakeside to several cross-country victories this fall and has committed to AU. (photo by Kevin Methany, special to the Bell Ringer)

By Justin Brosemer |
Sports writer

Lakeside High School cross-country standout Lauren Michael has ended her recruitment process with the decision to attend Augusta University for the 2021-2022 academic year. This decision pairs one of the winningest coaches in the Peach Belt Conference in Adam Ward with another building block to a strong freshman class.

“I also have known Coach (Adam) Ward for a long time through my mom,” Michael said in an interview with The Bell Ringer. “If there is anyone who I would want to coach me, it would be him.”

For Michael, although she had a number of choices for schools, Augusta University was ultimately the choice for her due to the relationship to the coach and team.

“I also believe that the other athletes on the team really helped me make this decision since they have all been so supportive,” Michael said.

Michael hopes to contribute to the momentum the AU cross-country program has been accumulating the past few seasons. Furthermore, the Lakeside High School star runner is ready to dive into her academics at AU.

“For freshman year, I would like to see myself develop into a better athlete and student,” Michael said. “I know that being a collegiate student-athlete will not be easy and that I will have to learn better time management.”

This level of discipline and mental wherewithal shown in her dedication to schooling shines through her performance in competition. Michael won the Kona Ice Trinity Fall Classic last month, running the 5K event in 21 minutes and 8.28 seconds. Michael has led the Panthers to two meet victories, a third place and a fourth this season.

Contact Justin Brosemer at JBROSEMER@augusta.edu.