Norwich runner stops during race to help opponent suffering health crisis

The extended holiday season annually creates a renewed push toward civility, showing concern for others, offering assistance whenever possible, and sharing compelling stories which truly embodying the Norwich Guiding Value of “service before self.”  As recognition for selfless actions during a cross country race this season, LtGen Broadmeadow, USMC (ret), 25th President of Norwich University, recently presented his first Presidential Coin to current Norwich student Cece Winters.
 

“Cece Winters personifies the qualities Norwich seeks to instill in our students; a potent blend of competitive spirit, living our value of service to others before self, and an ability to maintain clarity of thought and action during a stressful situation,” said LtGen Broadmeadow. “It is only fitting that she becomes the first recipient of a Presidential Coin since my tenure began as a recognition of her exceptional contributions that go beyond our own expectations.”

Sophomore team captain Cece Winters (Waco, Texas) exemplified the true spirits of compassion and sportsmanship during this year’s Norwich Cadet Invitational race. Winters demonstrated extreme concern and care for a competing runner who suffered a health crisis. During the intense competition, Winters was preparing for her strategic move to overtake a student-athlete. The two runners were on their second farm loop when the student-athlete collapsed, landing face first in the grass, unmoving. 
Displaying an emphasis on humanity above athletic competition, Winters did not hesitate to act swiftly, prioritizing the other student-athlete's safety above all. Truly an act that speaks volumes about Winter’s character.
“I immediately went to her and flipped her onto her side to find her unresponsive and breathing erratically,” explained Winters. “From there I checked her pulse and lifted her chin to open her airway. I spoke with her and told her my name and that I was by her side.”  Shortly after, another Norwich runner arrived on the scene then went to seek immediate assistance.
The student-athlete eventually opened her eyes and rolled over to her back. Her uncontrolled breathing made it virtually impossible to sit up, although she tried before Winters encouraged the student-athlete to lay on her back and steady her breathing. When the course marshal arrived, Winters again took command, instructing the course marshal to call someone who could get in contact with an athletic trainer. 
 

As they anticipated the arrival of the athletic trainer, the student-athlete, with substantial support from Winters, managed to stand and cautiously progressed toward the farm’s entrance. They intended to meet the athletic trainer there. “After a few minutes, the [athletic] trainer came to us, and I walked [the student-athlete] to the Gator and told the trainer she had collapsed,” said Winters. “After saying goodbye to [the student-athlete], I continued my race.”
Winters, in her composed and humble demeanor post-race, remarked, “Nonetheless the matter was minimal, and I did what I thought was best for the situation.”