Williamstown’s Alyssa Sauro Italy-bound for international competition

WILLIAMSTOWN -- Odds are when it is Alyssa Sauro's turn to describe what she did this summer when classes resume in August, her experiences trump the rest of the classroom.

The freshman from Williamstown recently wrapped up a perfect showing at the Class A State Track and Field Meet in Charleston with four first-place finishes as the Yellowjacket girls program claimed its third straight team championship.

Before Sauro transitions to her sophomore year, she is busy training for a dream experience which will take her to Italy later this month. Sauro joins seven other American runners who will represent the United States in the International U18 Mountain Running Cup in Saluzzo, Italy on June 26.

"I didn't know much about the competition when I was told I was going," Sauro said. "I know I will get to meet a bunch of new friends and try a new course. I'm so excited. The competition is really good.

"I have never been there, so I am very excited to go overseas. My mom (Michelle Elliott) and I are leaving June 22. We will do some sightseeing for a couple of days and do fun stuff like that."

Saluzzo is located an hour south of Turin, Italy. The 4.35 kilometer race includes 155 meters of ascent and descent. It begins with a short loop, 550 meters around the center of Saluzzo before taking the competitors on a long loop of 3.8 kilometers up onto the hillside to the west of the town.

The event is sponsored by the World Running Association (WMRA).

Sauro dominated the distance events this past track season, winning the 800, 1600 and 3200 at the state meet. She also placed second at the state cross country meet in the fall.

"Since this race has lots of mountains, I'm trying to train on hills as much as possible," Sauro said. "I've been going to Wayne National Forest. They have some pretty good trails. I like to train anywhere there are trails.

"I've been running between 35 and 40 miles a week and getting as many hills in my training. I've also done a couple of speed workouts."

Sauro has been running on a competitive level since she turned in her basketball sneakers in fifth grade.

"I had to work as hard as I could to get to the point where I am now," Sauro said.

In Saluzzo, a four-person team will represent the U.S. in both the female and male divisions. Sauro is joined by two girls from Colorado (Rosie Mucharsky-O'Boyle and Milaina Almonte) and another representing Pennsylvania (Victoria Rodriguez).

Almonte attends Colorado powerhouse Battle Mountain High School.

France and Italy have enjoyed recent success at this international event, but the U.S. figures to be in the hunt along with Turkey, England, Czech Republic and Poland among the top challengers.

"These girls will be really good and doing the same workouts as myself," Sauro said. "It will be a little nerve-wracking, but I am excited to compete against this competition."

Contact Kerry Patrick at kpatrick@newsandsentinel.com