The Aplington-Parkersburg girls cross country team has been bolstered by the veteran presence of senior Quinnlyn Schultz. A four-year member of the program, she’s taken on an enhanced leadership role among the student-athletes.
“This year has been so much fun,” Schultz says. “It was hard saying goodbye to a really good senior class last year, but we have such good numbers out. And I feel like there’s been such a push towards cross country and just a more positive look towards it. And I’m so glad that we have really talented junior high teams, both boys and girls, and that they’re just continuing to have a passion for the sport and that they can look at running as more of a positive and uplifting and team sport, rather than something that you’re required to do or something that’s hard. I’ve just had a really fun, enjoyable season so far, and I’m just excited for it to be an enjoyable last one.”
Schultz says she’s gotten many chances to work one-on-one with freshman Demi Buseman, who has shown the potential to be the future of the program as the second member of the team to cross the finish line in most meets.
“Demi and I did some running together this summer and she’s just such a fun girl to watch. I’m so glad that we have one year of cross country together. I’m so glad she decided to go out. Definitely just for track too, looking forward to track and pushing each other and just kind of setting the tone for what the track season might look like this spring. You need a positive mindset all the time with this sport and being a positive leader is always helpful too.”
Schultz is coming off a personnel record time of 21:00 at Tuesday’s Jesup Invitational. She’s placed in the top 25 in all but one race this season.
The Falcons will return to action at a meet at Dike-New Hartford on Tuesday, October 8.
