Emma DeLira
THIS YEAR: Junior Emma DeLira returns to cross country after a 3-year layoff ... Will need time to work off the rust and rebuild her running base ... Offers a youthful-set of Cougars some much-needed experience.
JUNIOR COLLEGE: Attended Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, Calif., for several years, competing 1 season in cross country in the fall of 2006 and another season of track & field ... In track & field qualified for the 2005 state meet in the 5000 and 10,000, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively ... Ran in the 2006 state cross country meet, helping lead the Mounties to a fifth-place finish ... Earned a scholarship to Southern Mississippi University but had the season terminated by Hurricane Katrina and returned to California.
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Upland (Calif.) High.
PERSONAL: Born Emmanuella DeLira on Feb. 13, 1987, in Pasadena, Calif. ... Parents are Juan and Rose DeLira ... Has a brother (Eric) and sister (Melisa) ... Majoring in history ... Enjoys reading and writing ... Coaches youth runners ... Qualified and ran in the 2009 Boston Marathon ... Ran a Los Angeles Marathon in 3 hours and 26 minutes.
