Athlete Name: Claudia Saunders
School: Princeton High School
Year of Graduation: 2012
Best times in a 5K race and in which meet.
18:12 2010 state meet
Tell us how your summer training is going?
Best it has ever been! I dont think I have ever ran this much during the summer.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
I would love to run a new PR, several times.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
Since 7/8th grade. I was a gymnast and I fell at practice. I had to get surgery, so during my recovery I started hurdling. I loved it right away and decided to stick with it.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
I am considering running the Foot Locker meet, although I am not totally sure.
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
Eaton!
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
In my opinion, the Elder Meet.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
State Cross country meet, 2009.
Favorite cross country memory?
My favorite memory is in 7th grade, at our home meet, when I stopped about 500 yards from the finish line and just started walking. I was new to xc, and didnt really know what I was doing..I also didn’t know the course to well. It just makes me laugh when I think about because its not really a heavily recommened race strategy...
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
Reading, relaxing, and listening to music.
Favorite quote?
“Life’s battles dont always go to the stronger or faster man, but sooner or later, the man who wins is the one who thinks he can.”
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Athlete Name: Elizabeth Heinbach
School: Indian Hill High School
Year of Graduation: 2012
Best times in a 5K race and in which meet:
18:15, 2010 State Meet
Tell us how your summer training is going?
I swim year round, so I started a little late, but it’s going really well!
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
Ultimately I would like to improve my time/place from the State Meet last year.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I’ve been running since 8th grade, and got started running road races when I was younger.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
No, I’ll start swimming full time as soon as the season ends (right after the State Meet).
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
I really like the St.X invitational, because the finish is into the stadium and there's a lot of energy.
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
I’d say Elder’s course, because it’s really hilly!
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
Probably last year’s state meet, because it was so much faster and more competitive than past ones. I was really excited about getting 5th place, and my time was a 34 second drop.
Favorite cross country memory?
Each year our team runs a school supply drive for Pierce Elementary School in Fort Knox. We raise money for a bus and then take the supplies down, and spend the day with first graders. I’ve gone the past three years, and it’s always a really fun experience.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
My favorite thing to do is definitely swimming. I swim year round as well as high school, so that keeps me really busy, pretty much all the time! And then I also work year round at Fleet Feet, a local running store, which I really enjoy.
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Athlete Name: Taylor Hatfield
School: Zane Trace High School
Year of Graduation: 2012
Best times in a 5K race and in which meet
18:24 at the Piketon Invitational
Tell us how your summer training is going?
My summer training is going great! Im looking forward to a great season!
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
I want to break my PR and I would also like to be one of the top runners at state!
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
This year would be my fourth year running. I started running because I didn't like volleyball but I still wanted to participate in a sport.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
No, I will not be competing out of state.
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
My favorite course to run in my state would probably be the Rio Grande Course.
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
The toughest course would probably be Jackson.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
Last years regional race because we were all so happy that we made it to state as a team
Favorite cross country memory?
When our team first made it to state.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
When i'm not running, I like hanging out with my friends, texting, and shopping!
Favorite quote?
"When excellence is in sight, good is not enough."
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Athlete Name: Bethany Norman
School: Xenia Christian
Year of Graduation: 2013
Best times in a 5K race and in which meet.
18:57.1 at the State Cross Country Championship 2010
Tell us how your summer training is going?
Awesome!! I attened a high power cross country camp and am in the middle of a two a day week with my team!! I am feeling strong and confident and I know that God is with me every step of the way so I am ready for this season!
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
I want to get in the 17s and be in the top 3 at state! Plus break my school record which is 18:53. And break my mom's record,who is also my coach, of an 18:45.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I have been running since age 4 and have loved it my whole life! My mom got me started into running because she was a runner! She ran for Purdue University in college and was very good so I am trying to carry on the tradition! She is also my coach and helps me so much! I could not do it without her!!
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Most likely not
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
The John Bryan course!! I always get a runners high on that course and just feel amazing! i have always PRed on it.
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
Our home course "The Ambassador Classic." There are a ton of hills and creek crossing and some rough terrian! Times are always slow on it but training and competeing on that course has made me a stronger runner! So I thank God for our hard course!
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
So far my favorite race would have to be Metro Buckeye Conference at the John Bryan course this past year as a sophomore!! I got a runner's high and felt amazing! I was able to win the meet by over 2 minutes!! It was an incredible gift from God! And that gave me confidence to face the competion of the next weeks race which was districts!
Favorite cross country memory?
My favorite memory is simple but very important to me. It was at regionals freshman year when I crossed the finish line in 8th place with my ticket punched to next weeks race at state!!! It was the first time that it had hit me that I was a state level runner!! I placed 24th that year as a freshman and then came back last year as a sophomore and placed 6th! I only did it through God's power, not my own!! He is amazing and all the praise goes to Him!
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
I enjoy showing animals and competeing in different projects in 4-H.
Favorite quote?
"To sacrifice anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift."-Steve Prefontaine
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