Distance running isn't for the weak. The endurance, strength and mental fortitude it takes to run a 3.1-mile race while your body is screaming for you to stop is unmatched in most sports.
That's the punishment girl's cross country athletes put themselves through every week for a chance to create a new personal record. This year, the competition -- even between teammates -- was enough to make the race for an all county spot as tough as it's been in years.
On May 27, every Athlete of the Year winner will be announced at the MESPY's. We're announcing our finalists with their accolades and feats to hold you over until the big day.
Racing analysts didn't have Ava Curtis as the Knights' anchor throughout districts, regionals, and the state meets. To start the season, she didn't either. But as she dropped more than 55 seconds between her season-opening race and personal best of 19:15.30, she ascended to new roles.
As Curtis' fitness improved throughout the season, she asserted herself in the racing lineup leading the Knights to their best cross country state meet finish in school history. She saved her best work for last, dropping below 20 minutes in the final two races of the season.
McLean was the lean, mean, racing machine standing at the top of the cross country field at the Dunnellon High School invitational. That race solidified her as the top high school distance runner in the county.
McLean had just one race all year where she didn't improve on her last time. Her 21st-place finish at the 4A state meet is the best finish of any Marion County distance runner in five seasons.
Jordan McLean, Forest, SR - Best Time: 18:54.50, 1st at Dunnellon High School Invitational
Riley Carter, Vanguard, SR - Best Time: 19:33.90, 2nd at Dunnellon High School Invitational
Savannah Risner, Vanguard, SR - Best Time: 19:44.70, 4th at Dunnellon High School Invitational
Ava Curtis, Vanguard, SR - Best Time: 19:15.30, 5th at Dunnellon High School Invitational
Cierra Mills, Vanguard, SO - Best Time: 20:20.00, 6th at Dunnellon High School Invitational
Sydney Farris, St. John Lutheran, 7th - Best Time: 20:02.80, 3rd at Dunnellon High School Invitational
Ximena Diaz, West Port, JR - Best Time: 20:44.20, 7th at Dunnellon High School Invitational
Emma Curtis, Vanguard, JR - Best Time: 20:01.60, 8th at Dunnellon High School Invitational
Reese Cartwright, Vanguard, SO - Best Time: 20:01.60, 9th at Dunnellon High School Invitational
Kendall Davis, Vanguard, FR - Best Time: 20:53.40, 10th at Dunnellon High School Invitational
Libby Denesha, Forest, JR - Best Time: 21:56.00, 11th at Dunnellon High School Invitational
Payton Nazzari, St. John Lutheran, SR - Best Time: 21:29.80, 12th at Dunnellon High School Invitational
Ainsley Smith, Trinity Catholic; Chloe Fields, North Marion; Serena Jodain, West Port; Reese Beaser; St. John Lutheran; Michelle Houldsworth; Forest; Tatiana Dobowski