For Senior Kate Meeks, running is not just about enduring the dreaded gym class mile— it’s something she loves doing. 

After placing first in the 5000m race at the cross country team’s first invitation meet of the season on Saturday, September 17, Meeks—who is also the captain of the Girls Cross Country team— was dubbed Jersey Sports Zone player of the week for the week of September 19. 

“This is the first season where I’ve actually won anything, I’ve always come in second or third. At any point it [her win] helps the team,” she said. 

As the cross country team competes next at the Garret Invitational on Saturday, Meeks hopes that her win and their momentum pushes the team to success as they look towards the rest of their season. “The season just started,” she said. “I hope it carries us through the season, but you never know.”