Wildcats focus on personal success

With just one meet prior to Kimball's last week, Banner County cross country runners found both challenge and success at Four Wind's Golf Course.

The newest runner, Kathryn Blankenship, has been working very hard, according to coach Kari Gifford. Blankenship has never run distances before this year and Kimball was just her second distance experience.

The young runner improved on her time at the Kimball meet over the "pretty tough course" she experienced in Gering, making Kimball her personal record to date.

"With her determination, she will continue to improve," Gifford added.

Lily Teeple, also in her first year on the high school cross country team, has participated in both junior high cross country and track, but the 5k was a milestone.

"In track she runs the sprints and it is going to take time to get her where she needs to be for the 5k," Gifford said. "She is competitive and she won't be satisfied with simply being able to finish a race."

Veteran Wildcat runner Deven Sullivan loves to run and compete, according to Gifford.

"His strategy on Friday was to stay with the leader and he just wasn't able to hold that pace throughout the race," Gifford said. "While Deven finished third, he was not satisfied with his time. He has some work to do to continue to get stronger and faster. His attitude, focus, and desire to be better will help with that."

Fellow returning runner Cheyanne Knisley has not run the last two meets due to knee issues. She is working on strength and rehab to return as soon as possible.

The Wildcats ran in Bridgeport on Tuesday, Sept. 11, and will be in action next in Alliance on Saturday, Sept. 15.