1. What are your goals for the 2005 cross country season?
Obviously, one of my main goals is to take first in the Girls AAA State Meet, possibly in state-record-breaking time and definitely in under 19 minutes. I hope to be able to lead Scott High to their second team victory in the AAA state race. Most of all, I want to have fun in my last season of high school cross country and stay injury free.
2. What do you think about Scott\'s chances in the girls title race?
A team state championship will be tough, but we definitely have a shot. We have the talent if everyone runs their best on the same day and we all stay healthy. Hopefully we\'ll be able to put 3 in the top 15 again this year. Runner for runner we can compete with any team in the state, but it looks like duPont Manual might be the team to beat this year.
3. You are coming off a strong track season in which you won the 1600 and 3200. How did that feel to win both races?
Awesome! I was so happy that all my hard work had finally paid off. I had barely even let myself consider the possibility of winning both, knowing
the competition I\'d be facing, so I was very surprised. Since the first time I saw Maddie Schueler win state, that\'s what I\'ve been working toward. She is one of the best runners I\'ve ever seen and I hope to reach that level before I graduate.
4. What colleges are you looking at for next year?
I am keeping my options open. I really like U of L\'s coaches and I\'m planning on visiting in the fall. I\'m also talking to several Iives, Washington U in St. Louis, University of Arizona, Tampa, UK... I just want to find somewhere with great academics as well as a running program with a
knowledgeable coach and a good group of girls who can push me to the next level.
5. You are one of the early favorites to win the state cross country title, do you like or dislike the pressure that brings upon you?
I love the pressure. A little recognition can be nice every once in a while, but I\'m not going to forget how strong the competition is. It will be
tough to stay on top. Hopefully I can live up to the expectations. I\'m just going to keep training harder and hope for the best.
6. Is there any race in particular you are looking forward to this season?
I love Hillsboro. That\'s probably my favorite course. I also look forward to home meets just because I know my course and it\'s the only time cross country runners ever get fans. State is what I\'ve worked for though, and since that\'s the only race that really matters, it\'s the one I\'m looking forward to most. To come away with an individual and team title would be an awesome
end to my high school cross country career.
ANY COMMENTS: Go Eagles! And best of luck to everyone else, too. Keep running!