Sophomore running strong for Grapevine cross country

Lindsey Smyth has been a steadying presence on the Grapevine girls cross country team this season, and coach Rick Miller said she is still improving.

Smyth was the top runner for the Lady Mustangs at the Southlake Invitational on Sept. 10, where she finished third with a time of 20:07.64, and Miller said that one of her best attributes is her passion for the sport of distance running.

“Lindsey brings consistency to the team,” Miller said. “She is an everyday girl who absolutely loves running. I admire her work ethic.”

Smyth had a strong effort one week earlier at the Marcus invitational, where the had the second lowest time for the Lady Mustangs at 19:29.73.

The Grapevine sophomore finished 27th overall at the competition.

Smyth was a part of the Grapevine girls team that won a state championship in 2015 where Smyth certainly did her part.

As just a freshman, Smyth had the second fastest time at the meet for the Lady Mustangs, running a 20:01.76 and finishing 18th overall for the girls team.

Smyth’s personal best in the 1,600 meters is 5:18.155 and her PR in the 3,200 meters is 11:25.34.

Miller said his expectations are for Smyth this season are to simply continue to work to get better and to push herself to build upon the success that she and her teammates were able to enjoy in 2015.

“The goal is to be better than she was last year and return to the state meet,” Miller said. “With the progression to her training and more racing experience, she should improve.”

This story was originally published September 26, 2016 at 4:10 PM with the headline "Sophomore running strong for Grapevine cross country."