For freshman Kate Van Waning, track and cross country run in her family.

“I’ve always grown up running and it’s just a part of my family. My parents are both big runners. I would go on runs with my dad and my brother does track, so I just knew I was going to do the same,” said Van Waning.

Following in her family’s footsteps, Van Waning got a jump start on competitive running and joined a club track and field team at only eight years old.

“I’ve always been a competitive person. I knew that I was willing to put in the effort and I just thought that it was fun,” said Van Waning.

She has only gotten more competitive from there, continuing to run throughout middle school and joining West High’s cross country and track team during her freshman year. Cross country consists of running a five-kilometer race, equivalent to just over three miles. Van Waning expanded on how it feels when she finally finishes the race.

“After I cross the finish line, I just blank out. I’m just tired. My legs do not work but it feels good. It feels good to accomplish something,” said Van Waning.

Besides running, Van Waning also plays basketball for West High and has dabbled in competitive hockey and soccer. Track and cross country remain on top, even though she has tried her fair share of sports.

“I like that you are the only one who completely decides how good you are and how much effort you put in. You can show every race how good you are,” said Van Waning.

Van Waning certainly showed how good she was every race, clinching a Mississippi Valley Conference Honorable Mention after finishing her cross country season.

“I felt like it was a big accomplishment. It was unreal for me because as a freshman, I hadn’t ever experienced anything like that,” said Van Waning. “There was a lot of consistency and I was always pushing myself. Also being brave, running is a lot of trial and error so I just tried to figure out what in a race works best for me. And always putting in effort.”

She cited her father as her mentor in helping her achieve such a big accomplishment so young.

“My biggest mentor is my dad. He’s always there for me and he knows exactly what to say. He knows when to push me,” said Van Waning.

Van Waning has a clear goal set for herself this track season, but it has nothing to do with awards or honors.

“My goal this track season is to keep improving and just keep trying to find my max. I feel like I haven’t done that yet. I haven’t found my full potential,” said Van Waning.