Middle Schooler Katrina Cantwell Takes the Course

Katrina Cantwell (7) is breaking expectations with her outstanding cross country season. She said her reasoning behind this success at Fair Grove is simply because she loves running.

Cantwell has been showing up most of her competition. Her race at the Hermitage Reunion Meet actually resulted in a shoe being claimed by the mud that runners must run through. She was competing with one of the top ranked eighth graders in the area and still placed second in the race.

Cantwell’s hard work and determination has paid off, allowing her to place very highly in her recent races. Jalen Supancic, cross country sponsor and coach, said that he was very excited to have discovered that she placed second in the Hermitage Reunion race.

Supancic stated, “From very early on in our season Katrina made it clear that she had a passion for running by how hard she worked and the joy she finds in it every day.”

Cantwell works hard on not only her physical talent when running, but also her mentality. At practice the team works on having an aggressive and motivating mindset. Cantwell has put this into use and said that she continues to reassure and encourages herself to try her hardest while running.

On top of practices and meets, Cantwell must keep up with her school work as well. Cantwell stated, “I don’t really have that much homework and if I do, I just get it done in eighth hour.” Many student athletes utilize this study hall provided at the end of the day to keep up with their classes.

Cantwell’s success at her races has astonished spectators. Supancic shared, “I have heard comments similar to ‘wow, she can run’ from several other teachers and parents.”

Cantwell shared that her inspiration for cross country is simply that she loves running. She stated she loved going outside and running with her dad.

Cantwell has worked very hard in practice and in meets to gain the reputation of a runner that she has. Supancic explained, “She competes hard in every race and has been consistently running with eighth graders who are older and doesn’t fail to push them every race.”

Cantwell has broken many expectations, not only does she have to keep up with practices and meets she also has to manage all of her school work. Supancic stated, “Katrina has also been working hard in the classroom and she keeps her grades up and strong.”