Ann Sisson
Mountain Brook High School
2013
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
My best time in a 5K is 18:45 at the Dew It On the Trails meet.
Tell us how your summer training is going?
My summer training is going great. I run with my team almost everyday and we are really looking forward to this cross country season.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
My goals for this upcoming season are to run close to an 18:15 and to really bring this group of girls together as a team.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I have been running since I was 8 years old. I started running with my mom before school on Fridays, and she really helped me realize that it was a sport I loved.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Our team is going to Arizona this year to compete in the Desert Twilight Invitational. It will be a great experience and a lot of fun!
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
My favorite course to run in Alabama is the sectional course at Hewitt-Trussville High School.
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
The toughest course to run in Alabama is the Hoover Invitational Meet.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
My favorite cross country race was the race at sectionals last year when I won the meet. It was a great experience and is now my favorite course!
Favorite cross country memory?
My favorite cross country memories are the ones f just being with my team. They are a constant source of encouragement for me and I love to be around them.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
My favorite thing to do when I am not running is to hang out with my friends and my youth group.
Favorite quote?
My favorite quote is "To do anything less than your best is to sacrifice the Gift" by Pre.
Rachel Roberts
John Carroll Catholic High School
2012
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
18:15 at the the Jesse Owens Classic in 2010
Tell us how your summer training is going?
This summer I worked on increasing my base and averaged 45- 50 miles per week despite the heat. I also put in extra time swimming laps.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
My goals for this season are to win my third individual state title, to break 18 minutes and stay injury free.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
This is my third year to run cross country. As a freshman, I planned to play soccer and I started running with the cross country team in the summer to stay in shape. I liked it so much I decided to run cross country instead.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
This year my team and I are going to the Berry College Invitational in Rome, Georgia
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
Favorite course is the AHSAA state meet course in Moulton, AL
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
The toughest course to run in Alabama is at Veterans Park in Hoover, AL
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
The State Meet in 2010
Favorite cross country memory?
Winning my first race, Chickasaw, in Moulton, AL.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
When I'm not running, I like to hang out with friends and family, swim, and go to the movies.
Favorite quote?
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift" -Steve Prefontaine
Analisa Patrick
American Christian Academy
2012
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
18:38 in Sectionals Meet 2010 in Tuscaloosa
Tell us how your summer training is going?
Really excellent! I've logged some great miles and had a lot of fun doing so! I'm really looking forward to seeing how it pays off this fall.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
Obviously to do the best I can. I hope to run between a 17:40-50 and make top 10 at Footlocker regionals.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I've been runnning since about 8th grade but I didnt start truly competing in XC until this past season. I got started running becasue I played soccer and our coach told us to run on our own to stay in shape.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Yes!
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
Our home course at Sokol Park in Tuscaloosa.
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
Oh goodness I have no idea! I did run a race at Hurdmont Park last year that was pretty hilly though.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
Our Sectionals Meet at Sokol Park in Tuscaloosa.
Favorite cross country memory?
Watching my team mate Connor Rector battle to the finish and win the boys 2010 2A State Champion title.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
Dance!!
Favorite quote?
I have a ton. But probably "The will to win is nothing without the will to prepare." -Pre
Carmen Carlos
McGill-Toolen Catholic High School
2013
Karisa Nelson
TR Miller High School
2014
Claire Kennedy
UMS Wright
2013
Emily Bedell
Mountain Brook High School
2014
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
18:40 at Dew It on The Trails
Tell us how your summer training is going?
My summer training has been going great. I’ve mainly just been putting in all the base mileage.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
I’d love to run in the low 18’s for most of the meets and for our team to win state again.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I’ve been running competitively since 7th grade. I got started because in elementary school whenever you had to do the mile for the physical fitness test I was usually one of the top girls so I figured cross country would be something I would enjoy.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Yes! I’m excited for our team trip out to Arizona and we always run our first meet in Georgia.
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
Although it’s rough, I really enjoy the course at Veterans Park and I also loved the Dew It on the Trails course.
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
Veterans Park for sure
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
My favorite race would have to be state in 2008 because I was just a 7th grader and I went out with no pressure and just had a lot of fun.
Favorite cross country memory?
At state last year when a lot of the JV runners made shirts with the varsity runners faces on them and cheered us on.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
Hang out with my friends.
Favorite quote?
You realize if we played by the rules right now we'd be in gym...
Jamie Delay
Scottsboro High School
2013
Ann Sisson
Mountain Brook High School
2013
Maggie Thompson
Scottsboro High School
2012
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
My pr in a 5k is 18:52
Tell us how your summer training is going?
Our summer training went really well.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
I'd like to steadily improve throughout the season and for my team to win state.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started running the summer after 6th grade. My older sisters ran and I always loved watching them so I figured I'd try it.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Yes. Our team will be going to Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida.
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
The state course.
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
Either Hoover or St. Bernard.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
State 2009. It was really exciting because the race was so unpredictable.
Favorite cross country memory?
Being a part of a state championship team 4 times and celebrating with my team.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
Hang out with my friends and family
Favorite quote?
"but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
Olivia Thompson
Scottsboro High School
2014
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
5k- 18:57
Tell us how your summer training is going?
My summer training has been going well; very hot!
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
My personal goal for this year is to have a big pr, and I would love to be a big part in keeping the streak going.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I've been running since 7th grade. I got started because all of my three sisters have all run before me, and were very successful.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Yes, we will go to Chattanooga, TN, Rome, GA, and Orlando, FL (Which we are really excited about!)
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
My home course is my favorite course to race on, "The John R. Esslinger Course of Champions"
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
Veteran's Park
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
My favorite XC race so far was definitely State 2010
Favorite cross country memory?
My favorite XC memory is by far the 2010 after-state party
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
I like to spend time with my family, friends, and dogs
Favorite quote?
"It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get back up." - Vince Lombardi
Katie Stewart
Rogers
2012
Jack Monaghan
Mountain Brook High School
2012
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
I ran a 16:30 5k at the Footlocker South Regional in 2010.
Tell us how your summer training is going?
This summer I was fortunate enough to study in Oxford, England, where I did some serious speedwork. The weather was perfect and I even ran on the Iffley Road track where Roger Bannister broke the four minute mile.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
As far as PRs I hope to break 16 this season. Our team is looking exceptionally strong and we are looking forward to a fast season.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I have been running since seventh grade. My parents encouraged me to join the team because they saw potential for running after a summer fun run that I won.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Yes, Mountain Brook will be competing in the Twilight Invitational in Arizona. I can't wait.
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
I love the 5K course at the Oakville Indian Mounds Park at Oakville, AL. We usually run three races a year there, including state, and it is a challenging course to which I always look forward to running.
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
The 5K course at Spain Park High School is probably one of the hardest courses in the state. It is another one of my favorites.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
I will always remember State of my Junior year. Before my 2010 season, I had never made it on the top ten on the team, so it was a special moment for me when I made the All State Team.
Favorite cross country memory?
My favorite memories in cross country are all spending time with the team after meets. My team mates are some of my best friends and I have had many memories with them. There are really too many to narrow down.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
I love to paddle small boats. Anytime I am given a chance I will canoe (solo or tandem, open or closed boating, I love it all), kayak, or even punt (a form of boating I learned during my time in England).
Favorite quote?
"I will train my mind and my body will follow."
Andrew Fix
Mountain Brook High School
2012
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
16:25 Footlocker South
Tell us how your summer training is going?
I've been doing pretty consistent milage this summer. I started out pretty smoothly and have worked my way up to a pretty strong base that I feel will help me out towards the end of the season.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
I don't know my personal goals that well, but I'm focusing on helping the team compete for the State XC Championship. I guess I wouldn't mind if I ended up around 16:00 if thats what it takes to win.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I've been running since 7th grade, so this will be my 6th year. I got into it because I've always loved competing and anyone could compete without having to tryout. Running just turned out to be my passion once I gave it a try.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
We're going to do a couple out of state meets this year, starting off with Berry Invite over Labor Day weekend. Then we go out to Arizona for the Desert Twilight Invitational towards the end of September.
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
Well, I guess I'd have to say Dew It On the Trails because its the flattest course we do haha, but I'm not sure if we're competing there this year.
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
Veteran's Park (Spain Park Invite, Southeastern Showdown, and Hoover Invite's course) is definitely the toughest course we do instate because of the loose gravel mixed with the monster hills, but we always manage to race a nice schedule of tough courses each year.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
My favorite race I've done was the last race of my junior year: Footlocker South in Charlotte, NC. It was cool to be able to run with no pressure with some high end competition, and it ended up pulling me to my PR.
Favorite cross country memory?
Undoubtedly, my favorite memory from running was winning the State Championship in my sophomore year. It was such a close race and we had been neck and neck with our the runner-up all year, so it felt amazing to know that when I put my all into that race, it helped the guys on the team win a title.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
Chill with my friends?
Favorite quote?
"Championship Mentality." John Brigham, '09
Griffin Lee
John Carroll Catholic High School
2013
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
16:31 at the 2010 state meet
Tell us how your summer training is going?
My summer training is going very well. I run twice a day with a workout in between, and because of that, I feel as if I have improved significantly.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
My main goal for my team is to win the state championship, but individually, it is to break 16:00.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started to run during the summer before my 8th grade year, but I became serious about it when I reached high school. Both of my older brothers ran cross country, and I continued the tradition.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Yes in Rome, GA
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
My favorite course is Molton (the state course) because I know that my best competition will be there.
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
The toughest course is Spain Park because of the gravel and the hills, but I run there everyday so I know it very well and it is one of my favorite courses also.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
My favorite cross country race was the Hoover invitational in 2010 because I felt that it was my best race and that I ran out of my mind that day.
Favorite cross country memory?
My favorite memory is when my teammate, who was our number 5 runner, ran the last 800m with one shoe and that helped us win the sectional meet.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
I play basketball during the winter, so when I'm not running, I play basketball or watching the Boston red sox every night when I get home from practice.
Favorite quote?
"I'm going to work so that its a pure guts race at the end, and if it is, I am the only one who can win." -Pre
Ian Carter
Hewitt-Trssville High School
2012
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
16:30 at the Huskey Challenge course.
Tell us how your summer training is going?
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
This will be my 4th year running. I started as a freshman because one of my friends told me to join so I figured "why not?"
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Yes, we are going to multiple places out of state including Arkansas. Also, I want to go to Footlocker; individually or with the team. It is another one of my goals. I think it would be an honor to run and compete against some of the fastest guys in the nation.
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
Probably the Moulton (Alabama State) course because it challenges you mentally and physically.
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
Again, the state course because of all the great competition there.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
Well, we are running at the Chili Pepper Festival in Arkansas this year (so probably that) but currently it is either the Memphis Twilight or Decatur meets. They are flat and fast, yet challenging at the same time.
Favorite cross country memory?
When I discovered I was actually good at running. It was then I realized I could do anything I wanted and accomplish any goal as long as I give it my all and never give up.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
I'm never "not running"....or atleast that's what my friends would say. I also enjoy swimming and playing tennis.
Favorite quote?
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." - Pre
Brandon Hasouri
Spain Park High School
2012
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
15:45 (5K) in the 2010 State Championship.
Tell us how your summer training is going?
We focused on running the easy runs a little faster and doing some progression runs to work on negative splits. Nothing too intense right now, just building a strong base for the next phase of our training. Our coaches also added a few elements to our training routine that will help with injury prevention and a more consitent warm-up and cool down to our everyday training which should help.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
Of course I would love to repeat as the individual state champion, but that will not come easily considering the strong competition out there this season. The main focus we have this year is to perform well at the state meet as a team. We have a really strong group of guys coming back this year who have worked hard all summer. Our goal is to continue training and be prepared for a great showing at the state meet.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I have been runinng cross country since the seventh grade just to stay in shape for basketball and baseball. I wasn't really serious about it until my sophmore year when I decided to give up baseball to run track so I could focus on running year round.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Yes. We are going to the Berry College meet for our first meet and were heading up to the Chatanooga Cross Country Festival mid season.
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
The course in Moulton is my favorite. It is the state meet course, it is fast with a challenging technical section around the two mile mark. There are some great big meets there like the Jessie Owens Classic which are always fun and competitive.
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
Our home course at Veteran's Park is the toughest. There are the hills, but also in some places the gravel is loose which makes things tougher.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
The state championship race last year is by far my favorite. It was a fun race because I was the underdog and no one really expected me to challenge for the win. It was great to come out work the race plan coach Zelwak and I established the month leading up to the state meet and have it come together so perfectly.
Favorite cross country memory?
Every year we start the season off at the Berry College high school meet. It is a great chance to hang around with the team and enjoy a great weekend as a team. We stay in a great hotel Friday and Saturday night and just enjoy having the experience of a great meet on Saturday and some down time after the race to relax and enjoy ourselves as a team.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
Hang out with my friends, play guitar, play basketball, mountain bike... anything where I am nogt sitting around. I am also very involved with my you group and I spend a lot of time up at the church.
Favorite quote?
Cordaryl Whitehead
Opelika High School
2012
Carson Chambliss
Hewitt-Trussville High School
2012
Evan McGee
Scottsboro High School
2012
Steven Crain
Spain Park High School
2012
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
I'm hoping to break 16 and be a contender for the state championship.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I have been running since 7th grade and I got started because my dad is a runner and he signed me up for the team because he thought I would like it.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Yes, we are competing at Berry College and the Chattanooga XC Festival.
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
The Jesse Owens course in Moulton because it is a pretty fast course with all the top competition.
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
The course at Veterans Park in Hoover. It has loose gravel and tough hills to make the course challenging.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
The state championship from last year because that's when I set my PR and I think I surprised some people by finishing sixth.
Favorite cross country memory?
Last year, helping lead the team to qualify for the state championship for the first time in school history.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
Hang out with friends or anything where I'm not sitting around. I am also active in my church's youth group.
Favorite quote?
Ramsay Ritchie
Briarwood Christian School
2014
Evan Pardi
Pope John Paul II Catholic High School
2012
Dan Drew
St. Pauls Episcopal School
2012
Ann Sisson
Mountain Brook High School
2013
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
My best time in a 5K is 18:45 at the Dew It On the Trails meet.
Tell us how your summer training is going?
My summer training is going great. I run with my team almost everyday and we are really looking forward to this cross country season.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
My goals for this upcoming season are to run close to an 18:15 and to really bring this group of girls together as a team.