Audrey Shelton has worked hard for the reward and the payback came this past weekend in Round Rock. Shelton went through every obstacle she could to get there and not surprisingly ran in the State Cross-Country Meet Saturday, November 13 against 103 other runners.
Her time of 12:46 for the two-mile course was good enough for 25th place. Not bad for the sophomore’s first trip to state.
Shelton was among really good runners and against a course she had never faced before. She ran hard and gave it all she had and even though the results were not what she had in mind, the participation was a first for Clarendon’s cross-country
runners.
Shelton did not begin her training when school started this fall. She was dedicated throughout the summer and made it her goal to not only make it to the Regional meet, but advance to the top meet in the state. She practiced alone, with friends, and with her coaches and every ounce of fortitude and drive came from within. A great testimony to what someone can accomplish with the right determination.
“Audrey is one of the best high school athletes I have ever coached when it comes to determination, attitude, and work ethic,” coach Molly Weatherred said. “She is a great leader. She has worked extremely hard. Not only did Shelton run all of the scheduled practices, but she also ran on her own. Even through the weekends. She never took a day off from running. I am very proud of her.”
Shelton led her team in the District and Regional meet this season. The Lady Bronco team competed at the Regional meet and placed 7th overall. But Shelton is not finished running yet. She will be a very experienced presence in the spring when track season rolls around and then gear up for another cross-country season next fall as a junior.
You can bet that if there is a race to be run, Audrey Shelton will be the first in line to practice whenever and wherever she can. It’s in her blood.
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