At Wright City High School, sophomore Kenlie Zilliox is running with purpose. “My personal goals for this season are to receive All-State honors,” she said, knowing exactly what she’s chasing as she continues to grow in cross country.
That determination is mirrored by her teammates, who have built a supportive and encouraging environment. “This year our morale has been very high,” Zilliox said. “Our goals this year are to qualify for the state meet.”
Part of what makes this group special is how they’ve grown stronger together through training. “The biggest improvement for our team this year is running on hills and other rough terrain,” she explained. “Our strength this year is our willingness to work hard.”
As a captain, Zilliox embraces her role with pride. “As the team captain, I lead by example,” she said. That means showing her teammates how preparation makes all the difference. “I put in a lot of work during the week to prepare for upcoming events. I try to run five or more miles a week.”
Like many runners, she studies each course carefully to find her edge. “The terrain and we look at the hills as well,” she said. That attention to detail goes hand in hand with her approach to racing. “I like to have a positive mindset,” Zillioxexplained. “That I gave a hundred percent every race.”
Cross country is often about what fans don’t see, the hours of practice and grit that go into each meet. “How hard we all work, train and practice every week,” Zilliox said, is something she wants others to know about her team. Music also plays a role in her preparation. “Run by One Republic,” she shared, is her go-to song before a race.
Her favorite memory so far shows what hard work can produce. “When I got my personal record in a local 5K,” she said, it reminded her how much she has improved since she first started running.
Zilliox is focused on more than just today. “I’m 16 years old and a sophomore. I’m involved in track and cross country. I want to be a physical therapist,” she said.
With her goals, leadership, and drive, Zilliox is setting the pace for Wright City cross country.
