KY: Thoughts on your last KY State Meet this coming weekend?
AE: It hasn’t really sunk in yet that this is going to be my last state meet, but I think what I’m most excited about is seeing how our team is going to finish. Our girls really stepped up at regionals, and I think we surprised a few people. They have all worked so hard all year, and I hope is pays off for us. I just want to finish my race without any regrets, and have a good final memory of my high school career.
KY: What would you describe as your personal highlight from this season?
AE: Winning Regionals!! That was one of the goals we set for ourselves at the beginning of the year, but I don’t think any of us really thought it was going to happen. Our cross country team is only four years old, and it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come. I couldn’t of asked for a better group to spend my last year with!
KY: A lot of runners like to go to races out of state normally close by like TN, OH, or IN. How did you end up the Furman Invitational in South Carolina?
AE: One of my coaches use to coach at Furman, and is still really good friends with the coach. She knew about the meet, and it happened to be the same weekend of our fall break and the same time I was doing an official visit at Wofford College, so it just seemed like a fun meet to do! It was so much fun, but definitely a totally different atmosphere racing out of state, and not having my team to start with.
KY: Have you narrowed down your college choices yet?
AE: A little bit…deciding on a school is a huge decision, and I’ve been really indecisive so far. I’ve narrowed down my choices a little, but I still have a few official visits to do before I make my final decision.
KY: New Horse Park course or Old Park Park course?
AE: Definitely the old course! It was a good mix of everything, and a little bit faster than the new one. I also liked how spectator-friendly the old course was and the downhill finish!
Ashley El Rady - Assumption
KY: What are your thoughts about your last KY State XC Meet this weekend?
AER: I am very excited about my last state meet. I love this meet because it seems to bring out the best in every runner. It is awesome to see everyone give it her all in the season finale.
KY: Favorite moment from this season?
AER: My favorite moment from this season is the regional meet last weekend. We have had girls improve each week during this season and I think it really showed on Saturday. We had great races and I am very proud of my teammates.
KY: After the significant losses from graduation last year, how exciting is it that Assumption could win another state title this weekend?
AER: Thinking about winning state is very exciting for us. We know that we will be competing against great, hardworking teams, but we know that we have worked very hard this season as well. We also know that anything can happen at state, so we are all prepared to run hard. As long as we do our best, we will be proud of ourselves.
KY: What colleges are you looking at and are you going to run in college?
AER: I do not know yet if I am going to run in college. I have already applied to Birmingham-Southern College and I plan to apply to UK, U of L, Centre, St. Louis University, University of North Carolina, Duke, Vanderbilt, Rice, and Georgetown University.
Colin Grandon - North Oldham
KY: What are your thoughts about your last KY State XC Meet this weekend?
CG: I can't wait for Saturday! I'm looking forward to coming out and coming out and redeeming ourselves from last year. Last year was so bad and I know that we will make up for ourselves and really run the race we are capable of.
KY: Favorite moment from this season?
CG: My favorite moment of this season was our trip to Ohio to run in the Midwest Meet of Champs. It's always fun going places over night with the team because they are so fun and just a great group of guys to hang out with. Mainly though we ran well as a team. I ran my fastest time of the season there and so many of our younger kids really stepped up and showed that we are a force to be reckoned with for years to come. Also getting to watch the other races to see what other teams there are further then right here in Kentucky. Plus watching Emma Brink's 17:44 was pretty spectacular.
KY: Describe North Oldham as a team?
CG: Our team is really developing especially this year. I am very confident with our strength and depth all around. I feel so blessed to be a part of a team that is so close and takes care of one another. It's like just being a part of a big family that likes to get together and runs a lot haha.
KY: What colleges are you looking at for next year?
CG: As for schools, I haven’t been doing a ton of working yet. I have been trying to focus on my running and getting this season wrapped up and get back our title but I have been looking a little at Bellarmine and have really liked what I saw in the School of the Mines in Colorado.
Jon Renneker - Ashland Blazer
KY: What are your thoughts about your last KY State XC Meet this weekend?
JR: I know this weekend is bound to be an exciting race. I have to say I am personally very excited and nervous as any runner should be. I’m just happy to be out there getting to run with the best.
KY: Favorite moment from this season?
JR: I love all the moments with the team whether it be the crazy bus rides or the number of times playing football or Frisbee after practice.
KY: Are you going to run in college? If so, where are you thinking about?
JR: I do plan to run in college. The college that i am going to though has not been decided, im not going to say who but there are college coaches and I discussing a possible future down the road. I am open to just about anything and I will be sure to give it a shot.