Fairbanks’ girls cross-country team will compete during the Division III regional meet on Saturday at Pickerington North High School. Members of the squad are from left, Gracie Hubbs, Linsey Eddy, Amelia Cameron, Kadie Carstensen, Kia Van Dyke, Kalor Greve and Adeline Fitzwater. (Photo submitted)
Fairbanks High School cross-country coach Mike Van Winkle and the FHS girls squad began the 2019 preseason a few months ago with a theme.
It can be simply summed up with two words … “The Journey.”
“The Journey is the will to push and bend yourself without breaking,” said Van Winkle.
Saturday will mark the 87th day of the Lady Panthers’ quest as they will travel to Pickerington North High School to compete in the Division III regional meet.
Fairbanks earned the regional berth by placing third during last Saturday’s district competition at Hilliard Darby High School.
One of the Lady Panthers’ strengths has been their ability to run in a tight pack.
“I’m happy with the pack this year,” said Van Winkle. “This team is an all-time best for girls cross-country in school history.”
Junior Amelia Cameron is already the top all-time runner in FHS girls cross-country history.
Cameron came to Fairbanks this fall after her previous school, Patriot Academy in Powell, closed its doors.
Cameron has the lowest girls CC time in school history with a clocking of 19:43.
She is, however, not the only standout in the Lady Panther lineup.
Also scheduled to compete on Saturday (along with personal record times) are as follows:
-Senior Kalor Greve: 20:03, No. 2 all-time;
-Senior Adeline Fitzwater: 20:04, No. 3 all-time;
-Senior Kaidie Carstensen: 20:49, No. 4 all-time;
-Junior Lindsey Eddy: 21:31, No. 7 all-time;
-Senior Gracie Hubbs: 23:40;
-Senior Kai Van Dyke: 25:05.
A total of four runners on the team have surpassed a school record of 20:59 that was set by Lindsey Reed in 2001.
That standard stood for 16 years until Fitzwater broke it with her 20:04 time in 2017.
Cameron’s PR of 19:43 was the first time a Panther girl has run less than 20 minutes and it is now the new school mark.
The top five teams and top 20 individuals in the regional will advance to the state meet, which will be held on Nov. 2 at National Trails Raceway near Hebron.
Van Winkle said the top seven teams in the regional should be Mt. Gilead, Centerburg, Fairbanks, Northmor, Caldwell, Liberty Union and Grandview.
He said the girls’ goal is to qualify to the state meet as a team.
“If we run to our full potential, we will meet that goal,” said Van Winkle.
“The girls are ready to take it to the limit on Saturday and continue The Journey onward to Day 94,” said Van Winkle.