Freshman runner places eighth first year at cross country

Vanessa King was the only Cross Country runner to place at state this year - and she is a freshman.

King placed eighth place at state, and when she first started running, it was because she was encouraged by her dad who had run cross country. He was placed at state.

King didn’t have an interest in volleyball, so upon the urging of her dad, she ran cross country for the first time this year.

During the season, she shaved off more than five minutes off her time. She ran the three-mile run in 28.33 minutes at the beginning of the season and ran 23.29 minutes at state.

She really didn’t think about placing at state, because it was her first year.

King admitted that running three miles at first was really hard for her, but after a season of practicing she got the hang of it, she said. “It was really rough for a while,” King said.

King admitted she doubted herself in being able to place at state, but all her friends and family encouraged her.

“When I was there [at state], I was shocked when I was running. I was surprised that I was in the top ten,” King said.

“When the race started, my whole attitude changed,” King said. “I can do this. I can place in the top 10.” Thinking about it two weeks after the win, she still gets excited and happy about placing at state. “It feels cool.” King said.

King is pretty sure she will run cross country through her senior year.