To be featured on ECI Senior Spotlight fill out the following form:
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe21B1n4MnAAAcklgpBNNN5xhYpbHppQ3viIOIQdMfLgR5Kxg/viewform
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe21B1n4MnAAAcklgpBNNN5xhYpbHppQ3viIOIQdMfLgR5Kxg/viewform
Name: Ruby Slentz
School: Blackford High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
23.58 at South Adams
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
To get the team closer and enjoy the season
Tell a story of how you came to Cross Country. Did you/do you play other sports? When did you start running XC? When did you realize it was something you enjoy?
My mom and aunts ran in high school so when the opportunity came my 6th grade year for me to run I said I would give it a chance. There was only two girls on the team at the time counting me and it was a blast so I knew that I had to continue! I also play soccer, swim and run track. I did start soccer from a very young age but joining cross country had nothing to do with my conditioning for soccer.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
I don’t have one specific memory that defines cross country I just have a bunch of little ones that make each year stand out. For this year it would be cross country camp. We went to a state park with some crazy hills! But we had an absolute blast while we were there and I’m so sad that it was my last year of that!
What is your favorite XC workout?
Long long runs
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
I have to wear a specific pair of socks but it’s the pair of socks that I decide that day that they are special and I have to wear them. I also cannot eat too much Carbs or I feel heavy.
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
My favorite course is New Haven like the actual New Haven course because I like the amount of woods in it but this year I really enjoyed the New Haven meet at Huntington because it had been raining constantly the days before so there was a lot of water standing. But Huntingtons course is very hilly but with water and at one point I like jump over this creek that was just gushing water. But the race was just fun because it felt like I was doing a mud run!
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
I want to see one of my teammates make it to state or maybe both and I want to have fun day with all of us
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what or the rest of the season?
are your plans after HS?
I have not decided if I will run in college like professionally but I might! I know I want to continue to run it just may not be like for the college. I am planning on attending Purdue University to study Agronomy and Business!
School: Blackford High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
23.58 at South Adams
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
To get the team closer and enjoy the season
Tell a story of how you came to Cross Country. Did you/do you play other sports? When did you start running XC? When did you realize it was something you enjoy?
My mom and aunts ran in high school so when the opportunity came my 6th grade year for me to run I said I would give it a chance. There was only two girls on the team at the time counting me and it was a blast so I knew that I had to continue! I also play soccer, swim and run track. I did start soccer from a very young age but joining cross country had nothing to do with my conditioning for soccer.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
I don’t have one specific memory that defines cross country I just have a bunch of little ones that make each year stand out. For this year it would be cross country camp. We went to a state park with some crazy hills! But we had an absolute blast while we were there and I’m so sad that it was my last year of that!
What is your favorite XC workout?
Long long runs
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
I have to wear a specific pair of socks but it’s the pair of socks that I decide that day that they are special and I have to wear them. I also cannot eat too much Carbs or I feel heavy.
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
My favorite course is New Haven like the actual New Haven course because I like the amount of woods in it but this year I really enjoyed the New Haven meet at Huntington because it had been raining constantly the days before so there was a lot of water standing. But Huntingtons course is very hilly but with water and at one point I like jump over this creek that was just gushing water. But the race was just fun because it felt like I was doing a mud run!
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
I want to see one of my teammates make it to state or maybe both and I want to have fun day with all of us
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what or the rest of the season?
are your plans after HS?
I have not decided if I will run in college like professionally but I might! I know I want to continue to run it just may not be like for the college. I am planning on attending Purdue University to study Agronomy and Business!
Name: Olivia Covert
School: Daleville High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
22:17/Muncie Sports Plex
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
To get into the 21s, to get all-conference again, and to go to regionals again.
Tell a story of how you came to Cross Country. Did you/do you play other sports? When did you start running XC? When did you realize it was something you enjoy?
I did not play any other sports before I joined cross country in 9th grade. I had always loved running in elementary school and I thought it would be fun and beneficial to join. I realized it was something I enjoyed when I first proved to myself how hard I can push myself to reach my goals and feel happy about what I did accomplish.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
My favorite memory is the time a group of us stayed until dark after senior night in a park and we just talked, ate, and created many inside jokes. The times when we just hung out after meets and went to go eat are my favorite memories. You never knew what was going to happen during those times.
What is your favorite XC workout?
My favorite cross country workout is long distance day. It gives me a chance to just clear my head and listen to my surroundings. It brings me a kind of peace after I have finished the long run.
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
A pre-race ritual I have is that I have my best friend Audrey put on my spikes and then she blesses them. We do this before every meet for good luck.
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
My favorite course to run at is at Blue River. The reason is because there is a section of woods that you run through and then once you get out there would be a cow there just watching you as you passed. He was the cutest little cow.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
My team goals are that our girl's team and our boy's team will make it to Regionals. I believe that we are capable of achieving this goal and it would be the first time in a very long time that our school would have both teams going and I would love to be apart of that.
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what or the rest of the season?
are your plans after HS?
At this point in time I am not interested in running in college, but that could change. I would like to run on my own time during college to keep in shape though. My plans after high school are to go to college to become a physical therapist for kids. I want to help kids be able to do the things they love.
School: Daleville High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
22:17/Muncie Sports Plex
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
To get into the 21s, to get all-conference again, and to go to regionals again.
Tell a story of how you came to Cross Country. Did you/do you play other sports? When did you start running XC? When did you realize it was something you enjoy?
I did not play any other sports before I joined cross country in 9th grade. I had always loved running in elementary school and I thought it would be fun and beneficial to join. I realized it was something I enjoyed when I first proved to myself how hard I can push myself to reach my goals and feel happy about what I did accomplish.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
My favorite memory is the time a group of us stayed until dark after senior night in a park and we just talked, ate, and created many inside jokes. The times when we just hung out after meets and went to go eat are my favorite memories. You never knew what was going to happen during those times.
What is your favorite XC workout?
My favorite cross country workout is long distance day. It gives me a chance to just clear my head and listen to my surroundings. It brings me a kind of peace after I have finished the long run.
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
A pre-race ritual I have is that I have my best friend Audrey put on my spikes and then she blesses them. We do this before every meet for good luck.
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
My favorite course to run at is at Blue River. The reason is because there is a section of woods that you run through and then once you get out there would be a cow there just watching you as you passed. He was the cutest little cow.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
My team goals are that our girl's team and our boy's team will make it to Regionals. I believe that we are capable of achieving this goal and it would be the first time in a very long time that our school would have both teams going and I would love to be apart of that.
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what or the rest of the season?
are your plans after HS?
At this point in time I am not interested in running in college, but that could change. I would like to run on my own time during college to keep in shape though. My plans after high school are to go to college to become a physical therapist for kids. I want to help kids be able to do the things they love.
Name: Tucker Burris
School: Monroe Central High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
16:16/Blue River High School
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
Get a PR, make it to state. Repeating a personal triple crown would be nice, but I really want that State Qualifier Patch on my Letter Jacket (that I still haven’t bought)!
Tell a story of how you came to Cross Country. Did you/do you play other sports? When did you start running XC? When did you realize it was something you enjoy?
I started Cross Country in 5th grade to stay in shape for baseball and to hang out with friends. I always enjoyed it but it took me until my Sophomore year to realize how good I could be.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
Breaking the School Record last year. It was the culmination of a lot of hard work. A close second is our team winning the first sectional in school history. Both of those moments are very emotional topics for me.
What is your favorite XC workout?
Any long distance tempo run.
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
I eat 5 Chips Ahoy cookies the night before a race. Don’t know if it actually helps but I like the cookies!
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
If I had to pick, Randolph Southern. It just feels fast. A close second would be the Sportsplex, not because of the course(I think it’s boring), but because of the emotional memories attached to it.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
We want to make it to state. We know we’ve got the talent to win another Triple Crown, but for a school like us to make it to state, that’s how you make history.
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your plans after HS?
I’ll probably run in college, but you never know!
School: Monroe Central High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
16:16/Blue River High School
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
Get a PR, make it to state. Repeating a personal triple crown would be nice, but I really want that State Qualifier Patch on my Letter Jacket (that I still haven’t bought)!
Tell a story of how you came to Cross Country. Did you/do you play other sports? When did you start running XC? When did you realize it was something you enjoy?
I started Cross Country in 5th grade to stay in shape for baseball and to hang out with friends. I always enjoyed it but it took me until my Sophomore year to realize how good I could be.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
Breaking the School Record last year. It was the culmination of a lot of hard work. A close second is our team winning the first sectional in school history. Both of those moments are very emotional topics for me.
What is your favorite XC workout?
Any long distance tempo run.
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
I eat 5 Chips Ahoy cookies the night before a race. Don’t know if it actually helps but I like the cookies!
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
If I had to pick, Randolph Southern. It just feels fast. A close second would be the Sportsplex, not because of the course(I think it’s boring), but because of the emotional memories attached to it.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
We want to make it to state. We know we’ve got the talent to win another Triple Crown, but for a school like us to make it to state, that’s how you make history.
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your plans after HS?
I’ll probably run in college, but you never know!
Name: Drayden Gates
School: Wapahani High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
17:50 IWU
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
Beat Colton Boggs
Tell a story of how you came to Cross Country. Did you/do you play other sports? When did you start running XC? When did you realize it was something you enjoy?
I play soccer, track, and basketball along with cross county. My track coach is also the cross country coach so after three years of continuous asking I finally caved and said I’d do it. It’s not something I enjoy but I guess the people are nice.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
My favorite memories have come from when the team and I are just running long mileage or a cool down after a race. They make the long runs bearable.
What is your favorite XC workout?
Base day
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
No
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
IWU because there is usually a lot of fast runners so it’s easier to get a pr. Also there are not sharp turns which is nice.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
To make it to semi-state
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your plans after HS?
I plan to go to college, I’m not sure where yet, and am interested in running track.
School: Wapahani High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
17:50 IWU
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
Beat Colton Boggs
Tell a story of how you came to Cross Country. Did you/do you play other sports? When did you start running XC? When did you realize it was something you enjoy?
I play soccer, track, and basketball along with cross county. My track coach is also the cross country coach so after three years of continuous asking I finally caved and said I’d do it. It’s not something I enjoy but I guess the people are nice.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
My favorite memories have come from when the team and I are just running long mileage or a cool down after a race. They make the long runs bearable.
What is your favorite XC workout?
Base day
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
No
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
IWU because there is usually a lot of fast runners so it’s easier to get a pr. Also there are not sharp turns which is nice.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
To make it to semi-state
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your plans after HS?
I plan to go to college, I’m not sure where yet, and am interested in running track.
Name: Peyton Bogue
School: Union City High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
21:03 2021 on home course for the Union City Invite
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
Get in the 18s, make it out of sectional as a team.
Tell a story of how you came to Cross Country. Did you/do you play other sports? When did you start running XC? When did you realize it was something you enjoy?
Started running in 6th grade because my mom has always been a runner and ran all through school. It was something where I could compete as a team but also individually. I enjoy just being out there with no stress but running for myself and my team.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
So far it would have to be the bond I've created with my team even after I took 2 years off of running.
What is your favorite XC workout?
Center bridge workout.
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
Nothing special
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
Home course because of having our fellow students at the meets helps motivate me.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
Our team goal is to make it out of Sectional because it's been years since we've had the opportunity to do it.
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your plans after HS?
Not at the collegiate level but I plan to keep running and going longer distances.
School: Union City High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
21:03 2021 on home course for the Union City Invite
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
Get in the 18s, make it out of sectional as a team.
Tell a story of how you came to Cross Country. Did you/do you play other sports? When did you start running XC? When did you realize it was something you enjoy?
Started running in 6th grade because my mom has always been a runner and ran all through school. It was something where I could compete as a team but also individually. I enjoy just being out there with no stress but running for myself and my team.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
So far it would have to be the bond I've created with my team even after I took 2 years off of running.
What is your favorite XC workout?
Center bridge workout.
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
Nothing special
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
Home course because of having our fellow students at the meets helps motivate me.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
Our team goal is to make it out of Sectional because it's been years since we've had the opportunity to do it.
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your plans after HS?
Not at the collegiate level but I plan to keep running and going longer distances.
Name: Makayla Robles
School: Delta High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
19:39 @ The Flashrock Riverview Health Inv.
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
I hope to run under 19:30 and make it to state.
Tell a story of how you came to Cross Country. Did you/do you play other sports? When did you start running XC? When did you realize it was something you enjoy?
I first started cross country when I moved. I wanted to make some friends and I was pretty good at track, so I tried something new. I run cross country, as well as track, and I swim. I realized it was something I enjoyed when we went to state as a team my eighth grade year, and made a lot of good memories after the meet.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
My favorite memory in XC is the team bonfires that are after the meets.
What is your favorite XC workout?
My favorite XC workout is a workout called "four corners."
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
Before my races I eat oatmeal three hours before and drink a small cup of water. I always listen to music an hour before the race to help calm the nerves I usually have.
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
My favorite course I run at is the Flashrock course because most of our team usually gets PRs there.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
For the rest of the season, I hope that our team can grow with each other and hold each other accountable for getting better throughout the season.
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your plans after HS?
Yes, I am interested in running in college. My plans after high school are to go to college somewhere sort of close to home to study nursing, and find a good running program to become a part of.
School: Delta High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
19:39 @ The Flashrock Riverview Health Inv.
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
I hope to run under 19:30 and make it to state.
Tell a story of how you came to Cross Country. Did you/do you play other sports? When did you start running XC? When did you realize it was something you enjoy?
I first started cross country when I moved. I wanted to make some friends and I was pretty good at track, so I tried something new. I run cross country, as well as track, and I swim. I realized it was something I enjoyed when we went to state as a team my eighth grade year, and made a lot of good memories after the meet.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
My favorite memory in XC is the team bonfires that are after the meets.
What is your favorite XC workout?
My favorite XC workout is a workout called "four corners."
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
Before my races I eat oatmeal three hours before and drink a small cup of water. I always listen to music an hour before the race to help calm the nerves I usually have.
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
My favorite course I run at is the Flashrock course because most of our team usually gets PRs there.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
For the rest of the season, I hope that our team can grow with each other and hold each other accountable for getting better throughout the season.
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your plans after HS?
Yes, I am interested in running in college. My plans after high school are to go to college somewhere sort of close to home to study nursing, and find a good running program to become a part of.
Name: Brandon Ellis
School: Wapahani High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
17:10.5 at the Jim Leffler Invite in Yorktown during my Junior year of XC season.
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
My individual goals for my Senior season is to finish my race in the low 16 minutes and to make it to state.
Tell a story of how you came to Cross Country. Did you/do you play other sports? When did you start running XC? When did you realize it was something you enjoy?
As a 3rd grader, I would go with my parents to pick up my older brother Blake from his middle school XC practices. I would stand at the fence and watch his team doing their drills and stretches and mimic what their coach was telling them to do. I went to all the XC meets growing up watching my brother run. When I got to 6th grade, I knew I wanted to run and be a part of the XC team. I have long distance runners in my family too. Running just comes naturally to me. I also run track in the spring and run the distance events. The 3200 is my favorite event to run during track season.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
Racing against my brother when I was a freshman in high school.
What is your favorite XC workout?
My favorite XC workout is when we run a large amount of miles with nothing added.
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
I like when before we race in a meet we gather in a circle to pray.
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
Muncie Sportsplex / The Barn Academy. I enjoy this course because I’m able to sprint most of the ending area of the race and pass people at the end.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
For our team to make it to Semi-State.
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your plans after HS?
Yes I am interested in running after high school. My plans after high school is currently to just go to college.
School: Wapahani High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
17:10.5 at the Jim Leffler Invite in Yorktown during my Junior year of XC season.
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
My individual goals for my Senior season is to finish my race in the low 16 minutes and to make it to state.
Tell a story of how you came to Cross Country. Did you/do you play other sports? When did you start running XC? When did you realize it was something you enjoy?
As a 3rd grader, I would go with my parents to pick up my older brother Blake from his middle school XC practices. I would stand at the fence and watch his team doing their drills and stretches and mimic what their coach was telling them to do. I went to all the XC meets growing up watching my brother run. When I got to 6th grade, I knew I wanted to run and be a part of the XC team. I have long distance runners in my family too. Running just comes naturally to me. I also run track in the spring and run the distance events. The 3200 is my favorite event to run during track season.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
Racing against my brother when I was a freshman in high school.
What is your favorite XC workout?
My favorite XC workout is when we run a large amount of miles with nothing added.
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
I like when before we race in a meet we gather in a circle to pray.
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
Muncie Sportsplex / The Barn Academy. I enjoy this course because I’m able to sprint most of the ending area of the race and pass people at the end.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
For our team to make it to Semi-State.
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your plans after HS?
Yes I am interested in running after high school. My plans after high school is currently to just go to college.
Name: Sam Brumley
School: Yorktown High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
18:25 - Taylor
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
Be the best leader possible, break 17:45
Tell a story of how you came to Cross Country. Did you/do you play other sports? When did you start running XC? When did you realize it was something you enjoy?
My coach invited me as an 8th grader and I’ve been with him ever since. Best decision of my life.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
All the laughs during practice and making so many new friends.
What is your favorite XC workout?
Anything on the track!
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
CARBS!
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
My favorite course is the New Haven course in Ft. Wayne
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
Semi-state qualification for the boys squad, county & sectional champions.
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your plans after HS?
Possibly, but my number 1 college, BSU, unfortunately does not have any running opportunities for men.
School: Yorktown High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
18:25 - Taylor
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
Be the best leader possible, break 17:45
Tell a story of how you came to Cross Country. Did you/do you play other sports? When did you start running XC? When did you realize it was something you enjoy?
My coach invited me as an 8th grader and I’ve been with him ever since. Best decision of my life.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
All the laughs during practice and making so many new friends.
What is your favorite XC workout?
Anything on the track!
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
CARBS!
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
My favorite course is the New Haven course in Ft. Wayne
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
Semi-state qualification for the boys squad, county & sectional champions.
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your plans after HS?
Possibly, but my number 1 college, BSU, unfortunately does not have any running opportunities for men.
Name: Grace Huisman
School: Yorktown High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
20:36- HHC @ Shelbyville Blue River Cross Country Course
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
Some of my goals are to break 20 minutes and advance to semi-state.
Tell a story of how you came to Cross Country. Did you/do you play other sports? When did you start running XC? When did you realize it was something you enjoy?
I actually didn't start running until my freshman year. Before running, the only sport I did was swimming. One day, one of the seniors on the swim team, who also ran XC, said I should join the team. I honestly just did it at first because my teammate said we got fed ice cream, breakfasts, and dinners. Though I joke about that a lot, it really is all the team things we do together that made me realize how much I enjoy XC. I never would have seen myself running every single day. But, now, I love it because I get to run with the people who are like family to me. I'm so glad I found XC because the people in the community are amazing and so supportive. I know, besides just my running goals, I have an entire team that has my best interest at heart.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
My favorite memory in XC has been winning county every year. Not just because we won, but because the county meet always seems to be the meet that brings out the best in our team. Everybody always rises up to the challenge and takes on the meet with the best attitude. Whether we're seeded to win or loose, we always commit to running our best race for the team. Just seeing everybody step up and put the team first is amazing.
What is your favorite XC workout?
My favorite XC workout is thresholds. It took me a while to learn to love them, but I love the feeling of nailing a pace for multiple miles in a row. I think it's a great confidence booster and shows your endurance.
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
Before races I always have to have my shoes tied a certain tightness. Sometimes, I'll retie my shoes multiple times at the start line until I'm satisfied. I take this one for granted, but I also have to have my pre-race-night massage.
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
My favorite course is the Taylor Wilderness. I like how spread out it is and it always feels like it goes by fast in the fields. My favorite part is the hill right after the 2k mark because I know that's my opportunity to surge and get ahead of the competition.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
As a team, I would like to win county again and advance to semi-state. We have a very young team, and that's really exciting because I get to watch all their hard work pay. Advancing to semi-state with this team would just be awesome because the experience of being with the there just can't be matched by anything else. I know the girls have been putting in the hard work. They've already been so impressive to watch, stepping up to the challenge, and I can't wait to see just how good they'll be this year.
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your plans after HS?
I definitely want to continue sports in college after high school. I want to study in the field of exercise science because I know sports will always be a part of my life. I want to help other people find the same success and enjoyment that I have been able to experience.
School: Yorktown High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
20:36- HHC @ Shelbyville Blue River Cross Country Course
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
Some of my goals are to break 20 minutes and advance to semi-state.
Tell a story of how you came to Cross Country. Did you/do you play other sports? When did you start running XC? When did you realize it was something you enjoy?
I actually didn't start running until my freshman year. Before running, the only sport I did was swimming. One day, one of the seniors on the swim team, who also ran XC, said I should join the team. I honestly just did it at first because my teammate said we got fed ice cream, breakfasts, and dinners. Though I joke about that a lot, it really is all the team things we do together that made me realize how much I enjoy XC. I never would have seen myself running every single day. But, now, I love it because I get to run with the people who are like family to me. I'm so glad I found XC because the people in the community are amazing and so supportive. I know, besides just my running goals, I have an entire team that has my best interest at heart.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
My favorite memory in XC has been winning county every year. Not just because we won, but because the county meet always seems to be the meet that brings out the best in our team. Everybody always rises up to the challenge and takes on the meet with the best attitude. Whether we're seeded to win or loose, we always commit to running our best race for the team. Just seeing everybody step up and put the team first is amazing.
What is your favorite XC workout?
My favorite XC workout is thresholds. It took me a while to learn to love them, but I love the feeling of nailing a pace for multiple miles in a row. I think it's a great confidence booster and shows your endurance.
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
Before races I always have to have my shoes tied a certain tightness. Sometimes, I'll retie my shoes multiple times at the start line until I'm satisfied. I take this one for granted, but I also have to have my pre-race-night massage.
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
My favorite course is the Taylor Wilderness. I like how spread out it is and it always feels like it goes by fast in the fields. My favorite part is the hill right after the 2k mark because I know that's my opportunity to surge and get ahead of the competition.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
As a team, I would like to win county again and advance to semi-state. We have a very young team, and that's really exciting because I get to watch all their hard work pay. Advancing to semi-state with this team would just be awesome because the experience of being with the there just can't be matched by anything else. I know the girls have been putting in the hard work. They've already been so impressive to watch, stepping up to the challenge, and I can't wait to see just how good they'll be this year.
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your plans after HS?
I definitely want to continue sports in college after high school. I want to study in the field of exercise science because I know sports will always be a part of my life. I want to help other people find the same success and enjoyment that I have been able to experience.
Name: Jaci Knott
School: Wes-Del High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
21:33 at regionals at the Sportsplex
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
I would like to make it to semi-state for the fourth time and make it a school record for being the first girl to go to semi-state four years in a row
Tell a story of how you came to Cross Country. Did you/do you play other sports? When did you start running XC? When did you realize it was something you enjoy?
I have been running as long as I can remember. I play basketball and run track as well. I started running for Wes-Del in 6th grade. 6th grade was when I realized I enjoyed running that people make is much more enjoyable.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
My favorite memory of XC is when my girls team placed second at our conference. It was a really big deal because we have not had a competing girls team in a long time.
What is your favorite XC workout?
I love doing competition long runs at mounds state park. The girl and boys compete to see who can run the most miles in an hour-45 minutes usually.
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
I love eating fazolis for the night before a meet. And our coach has us repeat an inspirational quote before each race.
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
I really like running at the Indiana Wesleyan course because it is super flat and the race seem to go super fast.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
Our girls team has a goal to make it to regionals. We haven’t had this happen for a girls team in a very long team and it would be a huge accomplishment.
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your plans after HS?
I am not planning on running after high school. I am hoping to go to Purdue and focus on school.
School: Wes-Del High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
21:33 at regionals at the Sportsplex
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
I would like to make it to semi-state for the fourth time and make it a school record for being the first girl to go to semi-state four years in a row
Tell a story of how you came to Cross Country. Did you/do you play other sports? When did you start running XC? When did you realize it was something you enjoy?
I have been running as long as I can remember. I play basketball and run track as well. I started running for Wes-Del in 6th grade. 6th grade was when I realized I enjoyed running that people make is much more enjoyable.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
My favorite memory of XC is when my girls team placed second at our conference. It was a really big deal because we have not had a competing girls team in a long time.
What is your favorite XC workout?
I love doing competition long runs at mounds state park. The girl and boys compete to see who can run the most miles in an hour-45 minutes usually.
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
I love eating fazolis for the night before a meet. And our coach has us repeat an inspirational quote before each race.
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
I really like running at the Indiana Wesleyan course because it is super flat and the race seem to go super fast.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
Our girls team has a goal to make it to regionals. We haven’t had this happen for a girls team in a very long team and it would be a huge accomplishment.
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your plans after HS?
I am not planning on running after high school. I am hoping to go to Purdue and focus on school.
