MOUNT VERNON — The 2011 high school cross country season kicked off with a sea of competitors in two races on Saturday.
The annual Mount Vernon Kiwanis Invitational saw 11 high school teams from around central Ohio converge on Foundation Park to compete in their first regular-season meet.
For some, it was an opportunity to see how they measure up against other runners at this point in the season. For others, it was a chance to begin a voyage that might eventually take them to the podium at November’s state tournament.
That was the case for Fredericktown’s Emily Roberts who, as a freshman, finished second in the Division III state run, just five seconds behind the winner.
Roberts has been training all summer, seeing foot doctors and chiropractors in an effort to get into perfect running shape for this season.
Now, as a sophomore, her sights are set for a return trip to state, for herself and for her team.
“Our team’s really coming along. We bond well,” said Roberts. “Rebekah (Haip) is really doing well. She’s coming along great.”

