Trinity Ruelas, a senior at Cal State Fullerton and member of the Titans' 2019 cross country team that captured the Big West title for the first time in program history, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to discuss the return of the conference final Oct. 29 at Wildhorse Golf Club in Davis, Calif. Ruelas reflects on the Big West deciding not to organize a cross country championship meet in the fall of 2020 or winter of 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how significant it is to have the event back on the calendar during her final cross country season. She examines the potential to achieve history again by becoming the first Cal State Fullerton female athlete to capture the Big West individual title since the conference was formed in 1983, in addition to trying to lead a young Titans' lineup to another team championship against a strong UC Davis team, which placed runner-up in 2019. Ruelas expresses gratitude for Cal State Fullerton coach Alex Tebbe and the collaboration they have had throughout her career, and how instrumental he has been in both her and the program's success. She revisits competing Sept. 23 at the Bill Dellinger Invitational in Oregon, and placing 25th against a national field, and the experience she gained in preparation for both the conference championship meet and the West Regional final Nov. 12 in Sacramento. Ruelas also speaks about the opportunity to race against NCAA Division 2 All-American Jenny Sandoval from Azusa Pacific, who competed unattached Oct. 16 at the UC Riverside Highlander Invitational and prevailed in the 6-kilometer event. Sandoval led runner-up Ruelas and third-place Hannah Chau of UC Irvine to personal-best performances in their final competition before the conference meet. Ruelas shares her aspirations in the communications field, with a focus on public relations following her graduation, in addition to her desire to keep dancing and her versatility to showcase several modern styles, in addition to performing contemporary ballet at many school events. She also explains how the loss of her brother Anthony three years ago has continued to help Ruelas maintain perspective throughout her collegiate experience, and how she often draws on him for inspiration.