By Allison Arnold
Staff Writer
Katie Sandfort, one of the senior captains of the Coppell High School cross country team, is known around Coppell for her astonishing running ability. There’s no doubt she has an amazing passion and talent for cross country, but many don’t know that “that girl who loves to run” got off to a very rough start.
“I hated it at first,” Sandfort said. “My dad entered me in a 10K when I was younger just because he knew it was good for me. I didn’t want to do it, but he insisted.”
It was not until Sandfort ran her first half marathon in the sixth grade that her perspective on running took a complete 180.
“I liked the way people were impressed with me when I crossed the finish line,”Sandfort said. “It made me feel good when everyone was so surprised that this little tiny girl could beat so many older people. From then on, I’ve just loved it.”
Sandfort has visited a few Division III schools so far to search for the perfect college to attend to continue her cross country career.
“I’ve visited Southwestern University in Georgetown and I’ve spoken to the coach from Rhodes University in Memphis, Tennessee,” Sandfort said. “I’m excited for what the future has in store for me as I continue running cross country.”
Runners head to Flower Mound meet on Saturday
The upcoming cross country meet is Saturday at Bakersfield Park in Flower Mound. Some of the local teams participating include Hebron, Irving Nimitz, and the host team, Flower Mound High School.
Boys varsity takes 2nd at Greenhill Relays
Boys team 1-2nd for cross country did a great job at the Greenhill Relays on August 25th. Carson Vickory made 7:37, Clayton Hemphill made 7:40, Brantley Young made 7:59, and Shane Murray made an 8:09 time.
Sidekick sports notebook schedule:
Monday: Volleyball
Tuesday: Cross Country
Wednesday: Football
Thursday: Golf
Friday: Tennis