At 47 years old, Dani Akridge thriving with Wallace State’s women’s cross country team, serving as inspiration for teammates and coaches
HANCEVILLE, ALA. – Cross country running is a lifelong sport.
It’s a passion that Dani Akridge and her children have shared for many years. It has
also provided an avenue for Akridge to perform at a high level for Wallace State Community
College’s women’s cross country team this season, excelling at the age of 47.
Even at a non-traditional age, Akridge has been among the Lady Lions top runners this
fall, including finishing fourth two weeks ago at the Alabama Community College Conference
(ACCC) meet. Akridge posted a 20:46.84 in the women’s 5K, as both the women’s and
men’s program won a fourth consecutive ACCC meet.
While Akridge is nearly 20 years older than most of her teammates --- including her
son, Cole, a sophomore ---- she has provided a spark all season for Wallace State.
“Dani has been a huge part to our success. We knew she was a strong runner when we
recruited her to join the program. She goes about her business in a professional manner
and motivates all of us to be better and do a little more. She’s a great example,”
said Wallace State coach Stan Narewski. “Nothing Dani does surprises me. She’s proven
to be a steady piece for us all season. She loves to run. It’s part of what she does
and who she is.”
Added teammate and sophomore Jaycee Biffle, who was third overall at the conference
meet: “It’s been awesome running with Mrs. Akridge this year. When we first found
out she was running with us, we didn’t know what to expect because of her age. She’s
been a huge asset to our team and keeps all of us positive and upbeat.”
Both Wallace State cross country teams will compete Saturday in Richmond, Va., at
the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Cross Country
Championships. The Lady Lions will seek to improve on a program-best eighth-place
finish at nationals last season. The men were sixth.
Akridge’s path to Wallace State
Dani Akridge lives in Bremen, a city located in the same county as Wallace State.
Her son, Cole, ran cross county for Cold Springs High before joining the Lions and
her daughter, Ava, is also a runner at the high school. Ava’s cross country team is
fresh off winning a state championship last weekend.
Wallace State assistant cross country coach Tony Crider is among the running enthusiasts
in the Bremen/Cold Springs community and has been acquainted with the Akridge family
for many years.
As the Wallace State coaching staff was finalizing the women’s roster for the 2021
season, Akridge’s talents kept cropping up on the page.
What were Akridge’s thoughts when she was initially approached about joining the team?
“I thought it was a joke. Once I realized the coaching staff was persistent and serious,
I agreed to run, especially since it’s an opportunity I never had and will probably
never have again,” Akridge said. “Not everyone gets a second chance to be a collegiate
athlete.”
During her second tour through college, Akridge is enrolled in online classes through
Wallace State’s Child Development program.
Akridge graduated from Vinemont High School, where she ran track and field for the
Eagles. Her athletic pursuits had ended there. She went on to earn a pair of bachelor’s
degrees from Athens State University – one in behavioral science and the other in
fine arts.
Akridge currently works as a behavioral counselor with Behavioral Health Group in
Cullman and spends time assisting with art classes at Cullman City Primary School
on select afternoons. Since Akridge has reentered college, she wants to pursue an
education degree.
Akridge is a wife and full-time working, therefore, she’s not always available to
join her Wallace State teammates for morning training runs.
That hasn’t slowed her one bit.
“I run most evenings when I’m done with work and try to match the same workouts or
routine the team did on campus that particular day,” Akridge said.
Akridge’s impact on the team
Dani Akridge is cherishing the opportunity to run for Wallace State and learn from
her younger teammates, including her son.
“I didn’t give Cole much of a chance to disagree with me when I asked what he thought
about me running,” Akridge joked. “All of the student-athletes at Wallace State are
exceptional. They work extremely hard.
“Both of our teams are made up of great young men and women. They’ve welcomed me with
open arms and that’s special. I try to be a good listener if the girls have life questions
or need advice. They call me the team mom.”
Biffle is impressed with Akridge’s ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, including
the formidable times she has posted in each meet.
“I have no idea how she works two jobs, takes online classes, maintains a family and
finds time to train,” Biffle said. “We’re all blown away she can keep up with it all.
She makes it seem natural.”
Narewski and Crider knew the potential Akridge had to contribute this season, and
she has fulfilled those expectations.
“Dani is a competitor and that fits the profile of the runners we recruit. Dani can
inspire and motivate female athletes of all ages, no matter their journeys,” Narewski
said.
To see live results of Saturday’s races, visit | https://live.athletic.net/meets/10929?fbclid=IwAR05Wt8hz0VLVfynh7ggShJAH1TnrD43ayO4Hv0A5NkWJ0mVzhnwzjoVfE0
For more information about Wallace State athletics, visit www.athletics.wallacestate.edu or the athletics Facebook page at www.wallacestate.edu/athleticsfb.
Dani Akridge is among the Wallace State women who will compete for a national championship this weekend.
Akridge finished 4th at the ACCC meet on Oct. 29.
Akridge finished 4th at the ACCC meet on Oct. 29.
Akridge cheers on a teammate at the ACCC meet.
______________________________
Russell Moore
Wallace State Community College
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