By Anna Hedgpeth

Reporter

Junior Tori Findley has led the girls cross-country team and achieved record-breaking individual statistics this season.

The cross-country team has continued to perform among the top in the state at recent races. Varsity finished third overall at the Chili Pepper Festival and both varsity and junior varsity placed second at the Suburban Gold Conference. Findley placed first overall at both races.

“Seeing how hard the girls on my team work motivates me to work just as hard.” Findley said.

She started running cross country in middle school after having played all kinds of sports her whole life. She started running because her parents told her she would be good at it, and it was the only sport open to younger middle school girls.

Findley said that she loves how close the team has gotten over the season and the way that they can all connect over running in ways nobody else can. Her teammates are some of her closest friends.

“I’m super proud of all my results so far, and I can’t wait to see what I can accomplish at the end of the season,” Findley said.

At the Suburban Gold Conference meet, she completed the 5k run in 18:42. That was 46 seconds better than any competitor.

Findley said that she celebrates a big win by going out for a big, unhealthy dinner. It is special to get to feel like all of her hard work paid off.

“My goals are to stay healthy and compete in every race. Also, I want to stay close and always have fun with my team” Findley said.

She said that she is interested in going to college to run and thinks that becoming a professional runner would be awesome, but she isn’t sure that is the way things will go.

Findley and the girls cross country team will race in districts at Lake Jacomo on Saturday.