Junior Cori McCormick of North Schuylkill ran a course- and meet-record 17:39 in winning her second straight gold at the Schuylkill League Cross Country Championships.
- Grade: Junior
- Age: 17
- Residence: Ashland
- Family: Parents, Randy and Justine; brothers, Chris and Matt; sister, Katie
- Other sports you play: Basketball, track and field
- Favorite pro athlete: None
- Favorite pro sports team: Philadelphia Eagles
- Favorite college team: Penn State
- Favorite subject: Math
- Favorite food: Pizza
- Favorite movie: None
- Favorite TV show: Friends
- Favorite color: Blue
- Favorite musical style: Pop
- Hobbies: None
Q: Few runners have won multiple league titles. How does it feel to join that group?
A: It’s just an amazing feeling because everyone that wins this is such a good runner, and to be in that group makes me a good runner.
Q: When did you start to think you could surpass Paige Stoner’s course and meet record time of 17:53?
A: Well, last year when I got done and I won, I looked at the time and someone told me I was only two seconds off her time and I didn’t even know. So, this year I was like, if I push it, I can beat it.
Q: Talk about your offseason and your training to get to this point. What have you done to get so much faster this year?
A: In the summer I just trained extra hard with my brother, my sister, my dad. I just pushed the speeds harder and worked on some hills.
Q: What does it mean to you to put up a time like this heading into the two biggest races of the season?
A: It feels good because it tells me that I’m in better shape and the next two races I can do better than last year.
Q: What do you like most about cross country and why?
A: It just makes me think about a lot, and it just relaxes me.
Q: What do you like least about cross country and why?
A: I don’t know. I just love the sport.
Q: What are your goals for the rest of the season?
A: I’m hoping to make it to states, and I want to get top 5 this year.
Q: What are your future plans after high school? College? Running?
A: I haven’t really thought about where I want to go, but I know I want to run when I’m in college.
Q: North Schuylkill also won the team title at leagues. What do your teammates mean to you?
A: They’re just a great bunch of girls, and I always push them to be their best because that’s all I want for them. They’re just amazing.
