Walter Cannon is the psychologist who first came up with the famous “fight or flight” theory. When someone comes across adversity, it’s a human’s natural reaction to stay and fight the battle or run.

In this case, Marian’s Tina Capparell courageously did both.At the first meet of the cross-country season, Capparell collapsed at the finish line.So, she fought and she ran, because that’s what she does.Despite what could have been a devastating setback, the sophomore didn’t miss a beat and was on the starting line of the next race.“I had a heat stroke at the first meet of the season,” said the Marian sophomore. “It was 90 degrees outside, and was definitely one of the biggest obstacles of my career. I’m still getting back into the swing of things.”The courageous Capparell compiled countless accolades through the fall, en route to her second consecutive Times News Player of the Year Award.Running is second nature for Capparell; it’s something she’s done for a majority of her life.“I used to run triathlons when I was little and the run was always my favorite part,” explained Capparell. “And when I started running in 5K’s, that’s when I fell in love with the sport.”Although the modest sophomore noted that she’s still getting back into the swing of things, there wasn’t much she didn’t accomplish this season.The first big stage of the year was the Schuylkill League meet – and Capparell placed fifth.She said, “The beginning of the season was rough. As it progressed, my times kept going down more and more. I sometimes still got dizzy in my races, but it’s getting better as time goes on.”Right on cue, Capparell took first place in the District 11 meet just a week later, and had some familiar company with her in the winner’s circle.“It was really nice having my sister up there with me,” said Capparell of her teammate Nicole Capparell, who finished second.“I definitely had to get used to being in bigger races. With all of the girls running, some with better times, it’s a lot more competitive (than triathlons) – I’m finally used to that now. We both starting running against each other in those triathlons when we were little. It’s not too competitive between us though, we’re always really happy for each other.”Capparell clearly got better and better as the season went on. And then November abruptly came along and it was already time to run in state competition at Hershey.“I wasn’t sure what the outcome would be because I was still getting dizzy in my races, and it was one of the main reasons why I was nervous.”The super sophomore mentioned in an earlier interview this year that she didn’t think she would medal at Hershey. Capparell conquered adversity yet again and placed 18th – which was good for her second consecutive medal at states.She said, “I was still really nervous, I just wanted to come down and do my best. I was hoping to medal, which was one of my goals. I was happy that I was able to get it again.”Capparell was never running at 100 percent throughout the season and still managed to be one of Cross County’s brightest shining stars in 2015.The two-time Times News Runner of the Year has plenty of running left to do in a Marian uniform, and has some big goals she’d like to achieve before her career is over.“Right now I’m just focusing on running. I’m hoping that I get quicker by the time track season is here. I definitely wan to break “19” when I run a 5K, that’s one of my main goals. I want to make states again and place in the top-five. I’m going to work hard to get there.”