By Mike Loschiavo – Sports Editor

Junior Katie Konareski made the All-SCC First Team at the recent SCC meet. Konareski is the best runner on the girls cross country team and is looking to make an impact as she prepares herself for states on Saturday. Staff reporter Mike Loschiavo interviewed Konareski about her season.

Michael Loschiavo: What is your biggest goal going into states on Saturday? 

Katie Konareski: Going into states on Saturday, my goal has been to get Top 12. During practices, I’ve worked hard for this and I am looking to run for one more week after Saturday. 

ML: What has been your proudest moment so far this season?

KK: My proudest moment so far this season is getting in the Top 60 at the Wickham invitational, mainly because it was very hard competition and showed me what the course is like. Also, I feel the invitational prepared me for states because the course we ran two weeks ago is where states is.

ML: What is your biggest goal as a team?

KK: As a team our goal is to get Top 5 on Saturday since that is what we were predicted, and I believe our team has the ability and toughness to do so.

ML: What is your role on the cross country team?

KK: As a junior, almost senior on the team, my role is to push everyone to a point where they feel like they’ve had a successful season. Whether that means getting a goal time or placing Top 20, I want my teammates to be happy in what that got out of the season. 

ML: Since you’re a junior on the team, do you see yourself as a captain next year?

KK: Next year I want to be captain because I would love to be a role model or person to look up to, just like the previous captains were for me. There are a couple of girls on our team who would also make a great captain so I am not sure what coach’s decision will be, but I am hoping for the best.