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Class of 2023
Name: Payton Baker
School: Wapahani High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
17:17 at IWU
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
Win county, Win Conference, Win Sectionals, and just make memories!
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 avoided cross country for two years before finally joining. To put it lightly it may have been one of the best choices I could have made. I played basketball and still play baseball. I ran xc in middle school and then picked it back up my junior year in high school. I realized I enjoyed running that summer of my junior after I had started running by self on the country roads and was hooked there on.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
My favorite xc memory was either winning county this year or the hotel for semi state my junior year.
What is your favorite XC workout?
My favorite xc workout none. If I had to rank first would be any track workout.
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
I always eat a rice crispy treat as I put my spikes on after I have ran my warm up.
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
I don’t have a favorite course but I have a least favorite course in the sports-plex. I dislike that course with every fiber in body
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
Our team goals are to triple crown again with conference and sectional and make it to semi-state again
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your future plans after HS?
I am not interested in running after xc but plan on attending either Purdue or Notre Dame to pursue a bachelors in bio chemistry
School: Wapahani High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
17:17 at IWU
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
Win county, Win Conference, Win Sectionals, and just make memories!
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 avoided cross country for two years before finally joining. To put it lightly it may have been one of the best choices I could have made. I played basketball and still play baseball. I ran xc in middle school and then picked it back up my junior year in high school. I realized I enjoyed running that summer of my junior after I had started running by self on the country roads and was hooked there on.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
My favorite xc memory was either winning county this year or the hotel for semi state my junior year.
What is your favorite XC workout?
My favorite xc workout none. If I had to rank first would be any track workout.
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
I always eat a rice crispy treat as I put my spikes on after I have ran my warm up.
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
I don’t have a favorite course but I have a least favorite course in the sports-plex. I dislike that course with every fiber in body
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
Our team goals are to triple crown again with conference and sectional and make it to semi-state again
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your future plans after HS?
I am not interested in running after xc but plan on attending either Purdue or Notre Dame to pursue a bachelors in bio chemistry
Name: Clay Batio
School: Delta High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
17:07 Marion Invite
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
Run in the 16’s 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 started on XC in 8 th grade just looking for something new to try. I won my first meet by a fingertip! I play baseball and run indoor and outdoor track. I realize I enjoyed XC after that first meet in 8th grade.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
The friendships I have made not only with my own team but other teams as well.
What is your favorite XC workout?
Tempo runs with Nicki Southerland. They really help me focus and get my timing down. I am lucky to get the opportunity to run with such an amazing runner!
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
I take a shot of honey before every race.
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
Connersville has always been a favorite course of mine. I like the hills and terrain.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
I hope our team will get in the top 5 at sectional!
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your future plans after HS?
I am planning to run XC and track at a 4 year college in Indiana.
School: Delta High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
17:07 Marion Invite
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
Run in the 16’s 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 started on XC in 8 th grade just looking for something new to try. I won my first meet by a fingertip! I play baseball and run indoor and outdoor track. I realize I enjoyed XC after that first meet in 8th grade.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
The friendships I have made not only with my own team but other teams as well.
What is your favorite XC workout?
Tempo runs with Nicki Southerland. They really help me focus and get my timing down. I am lucky to get the opportunity to run with such an amazing runner!
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
I take a shot of honey before every race.
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
Connersville has always been a favorite course of mine. I like the hills and terrain.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
I hope our team will get in the top 5 at sectional!
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your future plans after HS?
I am planning to run XC and track at a 4 year college in Indiana.
Name: Colton Boggs
School: Wapahani High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
17:11 Bearcat Invite @ Muncie Central
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
To break into the 16’s at least once this year
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?
Me and my three seniors weren’t planning on running in high school but stevo tracked us down and made us fill out the papers. I have a love hate relationship with the sport but I actually enjoy it a lot.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
When we ran 9 mile around the reservoir and had a speaker and played uno
What is your favorite XC workout?
Any of them that I don’t throw up on
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
I like to just think of something that will get me angry to take my mind off of running
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
I’m going to sound basic but I like the IWU course mostly because I always run my fastest there
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
I want our team to get the triple crown again like we did last year
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your future plans after HS?
I don’t have a huge interest in running after high school. I plan to go to Ball State for computer information systems
School: Wapahani High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
17:11 Bearcat Invite @ Muncie Central
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
To break into the 16’s at least once this year
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?
Me and my three seniors weren’t planning on running in high school but stevo tracked us down and made us fill out the papers. I have a love hate relationship with the sport but I actually enjoy it a lot.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
When we ran 9 mile around the reservoir and had a speaker and played uno
What is your favorite XC workout?
Any of them that I don’t throw up on
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
I like to just think of something that will get me angry to take my mind off of running
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
I’m going to sound basic but I like the IWU course mostly because I always run my fastest there
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
I want our team to get the triple crown again like we did last year
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your future plans after HS?
I don’t have a huge interest in running after high school. I plan to go to Ball State for computer information systems
Name: Caden Clark
School: Delta High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
17:28 Marion Invite
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
I would like to break into the 16’s and go to semi state for sure.
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?
So I actually used to play soccer back in the day when I was around like 5 or so and I actually ended up quitting it for the reason of it being too much running I said. Then in middle school my parents thought it would be good if I joined so I did. I also run track and swim. I started running XC in 6th grade. I kinda realized after about a year or two that I was actually into this sport, that I wasn’t terrible at it and it was somewhat enjoyable.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
I would have to say my favorite XC memories are either the bus rides to and from meets just listening to music and having a good time and also eating the blazin wing at Bdubs because it’s a tradition freshman have to eat them and it’s hilarious.
What is your favorite XC workout?
My favorite workout would probably be doing K’s or Who’s your daddy because they really push you and the harder the push the better you get.
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
During our run outs for as long as I can remember my team has always prayed and then we say “Gravy Train on 3” and that’s our little tradition we carry on to this day.
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
I love Marion Invitational or IWU because it is an extremely fast course and I have got my PR every time I run it .
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
I would definitely love to get into the 16s and just see how far I can go in the rest of our meets.
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your future plans after HS?
I am interested in running I don’t know fully what school I want to go to, there are some very good candidates but as the season progresses I’m hoping to get more offers. I also want to major in veterinary medicine or some type of technology major.
School: Delta High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
17:28 Marion Invite
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
I would like to break into the 16’s and go to semi state for sure.
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?
So I actually used to play soccer back in the day when I was around like 5 or so and I actually ended up quitting it for the reason of it being too much running I said. Then in middle school my parents thought it would be good if I joined so I did. I also run track and swim. I started running XC in 6th grade. I kinda realized after about a year or two that I was actually into this sport, that I wasn’t terrible at it and it was somewhat enjoyable.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
I would have to say my favorite XC memories are either the bus rides to and from meets just listening to music and having a good time and also eating the blazin wing at Bdubs because it’s a tradition freshman have to eat them and it’s hilarious.
What is your favorite XC workout?
My favorite workout would probably be doing K’s or Who’s your daddy because they really push you and the harder the push the better you get.
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
During our run outs for as long as I can remember my team has always prayed and then we say “Gravy Train on 3” and that’s our little tradition we carry on to this day.
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
I love Marion Invitational or IWU because it is an extremely fast course and I have got my PR every time I run it .
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
I would definitely love to get into the 16s and just see how far I can go in the rest of our meets.
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your future plans after HS?
I am interested in running I don’t know fully what school I want to go to, there are some very good candidates but as the season progresses I’m hoping to get more offers. I also want to major in veterinary medicine or some type of technology major.
Name: Maddie Felton
School: Wapahani High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
21:44/Huntington Course
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
To keep getting faster, get on the record board, be all-conference, and qualify for 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?
My freshman year of high school I decided to do track for the first time with my sister. My coaches decided to throw me into distance running the first day. I ended up being pretty okay at running and my teammates wanted me to run cross country. I wasn't going to run cross country because I play soccer in the fall, but I ended up running and playing soccer my sophomore year and have loved doing it ever since.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
My favorite memory from xc is all of our pasta parties, bus rides after meets, and staying in the hotel before semi-state.
What is your favorite XC workout?
My favorite xc workout is when we're on the track.
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
Every night before my race I east pasta, take an epson salt bath, do a leg drain, and go to bed early. On race day I always have a verse on my hand, eat the same breakfast, and pray with my team in the huddle.
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
My favorite course is our new home cross country course.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
Team goals that I have for the rest of the season is to keep getting everyone faster and to win conference.
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your future plans after HS?
I do want to keep running after high school, but whether that be college or just for fun, I am not sure.
School: Wapahani High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
21:44/Huntington Course
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
To keep getting faster, get on the record board, be all-conference, and qualify for 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?
My freshman year of high school I decided to do track for the first time with my sister. My coaches decided to throw me into distance running the first day. I ended up being pretty okay at running and my teammates wanted me to run cross country. I wasn't going to run cross country because I play soccer in the fall, but I ended up running and playing soccer my sophomore year and have loved doing it ever since.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
My favorite memory from xc is all of our pasta parties, bus rides after meets, and staying in the hotel before semi-state.
What is your favorite XC workout?
My favorite xc workout is when we're on the track.
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
Every night before my race I east pasta, take an epson salt bath, do a leg drain, and go to bed early. On race day I always have a verse on my hand, eat the same breakfast, and pray with my team in the huddle.
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
My favorite course is our new home cross country course.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
Team goals that I have for the rest of the season is to keep getting everyone faster and to win conference.
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your future plans after HS?
I do want to keep running after high school, but whether that be college or just for fun, I am not sure.
Name: Ethan Sayers
School: Yorktown
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
20:38. New Haven
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
I want to break 20:00
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 came to cross country when my mom introduced me to it in 7th grade. She put me in it because she thought I was going to be a good runner like she was. I realized that I enjoyed cross country after the first season, I enjoyed it and I wanted to keep doing it.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
Cross country camp 2022
What is your favorite XC workout?
Abam
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
none
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
no
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
I want to help both sides of the team make it to semi state and state.
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your future plans after HS?
I'm not sure yet
School: Yorktown
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
20:38. New Haven
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
I want to break 20:00
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 came to cross country when my mom introduced me to it in 7th grade. She put me in it because she thought I was going to be a good runner like she was. I realized that I enjoyed cross country after the first season, I enjoyed it and I wanted to keep doing it.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
Cross country camp 2022
What is your favorite XC workout?
Abam
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
none
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
no
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
I want to help both sides of the team make it to semi state and state.
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your future plans after HS?
I'm not sure yet
Name: Jon Shrock
School: Wapahani High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
17:21 @Bearcat invite/ Muncie Central
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
Break 17 and to get all-county and conference.
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 really didn’t think I was going to do cross country my freshman year and was going to be devoted to basketball. I played one season of basketball and hated it and realized that I was not only better at running but enjoyed the sport and the people much more.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
My favorite memory has to be staying at the hotels for semi state
What is your favorite XC workout?
I have grown to like doing track workouts and some k’s
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
I always try to get a leg drain in if possible and focus on my first mile being under 5:20
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
I really liked our home course this year, I think Stevo and Dudley did a great job with it and I’m disappointed I won’t get to run there anymore this year.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
Get the rat pack sub 17 and go late in the season as well as triple crowning
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your future plans after HS?
I’m not 100% if I am interested in running cross country but probably not.
School: Wapahani High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
17:21 @Bearcat invite/ Muncie Central
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
Break 17 and to get all-county and conference.
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 really didn’t think I was going to do cross country my freshman year and was going to be devoted to basketball. I played one season of basketball and hated it and realized that I was not only better at running but enjoyed the sport and the people much more.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
My favorite memory has to be staying at the hotels for semi state
What is your favorite XC workout?
I have grown to like doing track workouts and some k’s
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
I always try to get a leg drain in if possible and focus on my first mile being under 5:20
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
I really liked our home course this year, I think Stevo and Dudley did a great job with it and I’m disappointed I won’t get to run there anymore this year.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
Get the rat pack sub 17 and go late in the season as well as triple crowning
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your future plans after HS?
I’m not 100% if I am interested in running cross country but probably not.
Name: Ali Smith
School: Yorktown High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
21:07- Delaware County Championship
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
Break 20:50, build muscle, focus on nutrition and recovery, increase mileage.
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 always kind of hated running. I was a die hard swimmer, and only did track to appease my mom in middle school. In 8th grade I gave XC a shot, and fell in love- and then immediately got injured. After my freshman year in XC, I knew that’s where I was meant to be, physically, mentally and emotionally. Nothing could compare to the bond I have with my team.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
No specific memory, but I will always remember how much the team has pushed me to be my best, and how it has shaped me as a person, athlete, and leader!
What is your favorite XC workout?
ABAM (Assault and Battery at Morrows): relay sprint + recovery workout
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
Not individually, but before every single race we have a team dinner, and 90% of the time it ends in a fierce volleyball tournament!
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
The Huntington University course! All of my teammates hate it, but I have always thrived there- and I got to run through knee deep flowing water! We also convince coach every year to go get pizza after the meet :)
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
Sectional Champions, Semi State Team Qualifiers, get varsity under 25 minutes, get whole team under 30 minutes!
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your future plans after HS?
Yes! I plan on running CC and Track in college, majoring in Nursing.
School: Yorktown High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
21:07- Delaware County Championship
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
Break 20:50, build muscle, focus on nutrition and recovery, increase mileage.
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 always kind of hated running. I was a die hard swimmer, and only did track to appease my mom in middle school. In 8th grade I gave XC a shot, and fell in love- and then immediately got injured. After my freshman year in XC, I knew that’s where I was meant to be, physically, mentally and emotionally. Nothing could compare to the bond I have with my team.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
No specific memory, but I will always remember how much the team has pushed me to be my best, and how it has shaped me as a person, athlete, and leader!
What is your favorite XC workout?
ABAM (Assault and Battery at Morrows): relay sprint + recovery workout
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
Not individually, but before every single race we have a team dinner, and 90% of the time it ends in a fierce volleyball tournament!
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
The Huntington University course! All of my teammates hate it, but I have always thrived there- and I got to run through knee deep flowing water! We also convince coach every year to go get pizza after the meet :)
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
Sectional Champions, Semi State Team Qualifiers, get varsity under 25 minutes, get whole team under 30 minutes!
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your future plans after HS?
Yes! I plan on running CC and Track in college, majoring in Nursing.
Name: Rachael Stagge
School: Yorktown High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
21:03 during the Wildcat Invitational at Marion
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
My goal is to push my team to do their best and to push myself to get in the 20’s.
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?
Throughout middle school I played volleyball and ran track. It wasn’t until the summer going into high school that I wanted to give cross country a try. I realized cross country was something I would enjoy when the team went to camp. It really bounded the team together and made me feel like I was apart of another family. It was by far the best decision of my life.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
My favorite memory was during my sophomore year. Every weekend was the same. Team dinner, the football game, run at the meet, get lunch, then a group of us would always go to my friends house and hangout there for hours. Sophomore year during Covid really brought the team together and made us realize how much we needed each other during this time.
What is your favorite XC workout?
Anything on the track, I love track workouts!
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
I always drink a Gatorade and eat spaghetti the night before my race and always have my hair the same.
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
My favorite course of all my 4 years running was definitely the New Haven course which I ran my freshman year. If I had to pick a recent course though I’d pick Marion’s course. It’s a very fast course and very open.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
Some team goals that I have for the rest of the season is making it past regionals and advancing to Semi State, and getting the top 7 girls under 23!
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your future plans after HS?
As of now, I do plan on running after high school. I’m undetermined where exactly but I know I’m interested in touring colleges with my mom and dad.
School: Yorktown High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
21:03 during the Wildcat Invitational at Marion
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
My goal is to push my team to do their best and to push myself to get in the 20’s.
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?
Throughout middle school I played volleyball and ran track. It wasn’t until the summer going into high school that I wanted to give cross country a try. I realized cross country was something I would enjoy when the team went to camp. It really bounded the team together and made me feel like I was apart of another family. It was by far the best decision of my life.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
My favorite memory was during my sophomore year. Every weekend was the same. Team dinner, the football game, run at the meet, get lunch, then a group of us would always go to my friends house and hangout there for hours. Sophomore year during Covid really brought the team together and made us realize how much we needed each other during this time.
What is your favorite XC workout?
Anything on the track, I love track workouts!
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
I always drink a Gatorade and eat spaghetti the night before my race and always have my hair the same.
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
My favorite course of all my 4 years running was definitely the New Haven course which I ran my freshman year. If I had to pick a recent course though I’d pick Marion’s course. It’s a very fast course and very open.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
Some team goals that I have for the rest of the season is making it past regionals and advancing to Semi State, and getting the top 7 girls under 23!
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your future plans after HS?
As of now, I do plan on running after high school. I’m undetermined where exactly but I know I’m interested in touring colleges with my mom and dad.
Name: Kendyl Thrasher
School: Wapahani High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
20:08, IWU Course
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
Break the school record, win conference, be all-state, and qualify for 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?
Besides running cross country I play basketball and run track. I started running my freshman year after playing volleyball through high school. I am very thankful I made this switch because cross country season is now my favorite time of year. I realized it was something I enjoyed pretty fast after I started running.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
Qualifying for semi-state my sophomore year, bus rides to and from meets with my teammates, and all the fun pasta parties and other things I’ve done with my team.
What is your favorite XC workout?
Any workout not on the track is my favorite.
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
Night before races I eat chicken alfredo with broccoli and the morning of I eat oatmeal. A pre-race ritual I have is writing a bible verse on my hand and making sure I stretch my calves right before I head to the start line.
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
Yes, IWU is my favorite course because I won my first race here and it’s where I ran my PR.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
Win conference and qualify for regionals!!
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your future plans after HS?
I do plan to run after high school and I plan to major in nutrition science at the college I go to.
School: Wapahani High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on:
20:08, IWU Course
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
Break the school record, win conference, be all-state, and qualify for 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?
Besides running cross country I play basketball and run track. I started running my freshman year after playing volleyball through high school. I am very thankful I made this switch because cross country season is now my favorite time of year. I realized it was something I enjoyed pretty fast after I started running.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
Qualifying for semi-state my sophomore year, bus rides to and from meets with my teammates, and all the fun pasta parties and other things I’ve done with my team.
What is your favorite XC workout?
Any workout not on the track is my favorite.
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
Night before races I eat chicken alfredo with broccoli and the morning of I eat oatmeal. A pre-race ritual I have is writing a bible verse on my hand and making sure I stretch my calves right before I head to the start line.
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
Yes, IWU is my favorite course because I won my first race here and it’s where I ran my PR.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
Win conference and qualify for regionals!!
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your future plans after HS?
I do plan to run after high school and I plan to major in nutrition science at the college I go to.
Name: Brynn Wright
School: Cowan High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on: 20:43 at the Muncie Sportsplex
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
I want to pr, get all-confrence, and make it 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 played volleyball all through middle school. I started running my freshman year because my older sister and cousin were both on the team. I realized about halfway through my freshman season that I actually liked running.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
My favorite memory is winning conference and making it to regionals as a team, for the first time in school history, during my freshman season.
What is your favorite XC workout?
Long runs
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
I always write a bible verse on my hand before the meet, and I also always pray with my team in the huddle right before we start. My favorite pre-race meals are the team dinners we have every Friday.
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
My favorite course is the Huntington University course. I like it because it is the semi-state course.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
I hope that all of me teammates will get healthy and injury-free. I also hope that my whole team can run in conference and sectionals.
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your future plans after HS?
I plan to continue running after college but not competitively. I want to go to Purdue for college.
School: Cowan High School
Current PR and Meet/Course it was ran on: 20:43 at the Muncie Sportsplex
What are some of your individual goals for your senior season?
I want to pr, get all-confrence, and make it 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 played volleyball all through middle school. I started running my freshman year because my older sister and cousin were both on the team. I realized about halfway through my freshman season that I actually liked running.
What has been your favorite memory in XC?
My favorite memory is winning conference and making it to regionals as a team, for the first time in school history, during my freshman season.
What is your favorite XC workout?
Long runs
Do you have any interesting pre-race rituals or favorite pre-race meals?
I always write a bible verse on my hand before the meet, and I also always pray with my team in the huddle right before we start. My favorite pre-race meals are the team dinners we have every Friday.
Do you have a favorite course you run at? Any particular reason why?
My favorite course is the Huntington University course. I like it because it is the semi-state course.
What type of team goals do you have for the rest of the season?
I hope that all of me teammates will get healthy and injury-free. I also hope that my whole team can run in conference and sectionals.
Are you interested in running after HS (college or otherwise) and what are your future plans after HS?
I plan to continue running after college but not competitively. I want to go to Purdue for college.
Class of 2022
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.
