"I love the sport because it pushes me individually to excel plus I get to be part of a special team," Katie said.

 

Katie's family moved to Stow from Strongsville when she was in the 8th grade. She always had played soccer through youth, but when she arrived in Stow it was too late to sign up, so cross country filled the athletics void.

 

The sport grew on Katie and as did her tremendous ability. "It gives you great mental strength," Katie said.

 

As we fast forward, she now is a senior with a best time of 18:25 over 5,000 meters. The No. 1 runner on Stow's talented team, Katie has her eye on the big prize -- an OHSAA state championship -- in her senior year would be a great graduation present.

 

She is a defending Division I regional champion and placed 10th at the 2009 state meet.

 

"We all get along great, I love being part of this team," she said. "I love all the courses in the area as they each have their own challenges, but I do think the run at Tiffin is my favorite."

 

"She is special student, athlete, and person," Stow-Munroe Falls athletic director Cyle Feldman said. 

 

“I think I should be able to run in college, but I realize I must continue to work hard," Katie said.

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Katie Betts - Senior - Stow-Munroe Falls

 

TV:  "Friends"

Movie:  "A Walk to Remember"

IPod:  Defying Gravity

Pizza:  Pepperoni

Class:  English

Bucket List:  To win a state championship