State championship could elevate Mustangs cross country

Skyler Simon brought home to Grapevine the first-ever girls state championship in the sport of cross country this fall, and coach Rick Miller said that not only was the accomplishment well-earned, it was also important for the Grapevine cross country program.

Simon ran a phenomenal race, beating out Canyon Randall's Erika Dewitt by more than 20 seconds with an overall time of 18:15.19.

“She ran a great race,” Miller said. “She didn't over-run the first mile. She ran it exactly the way she wanted to, maintaining contact with the lead pack, and just seemed to get stronger as the race progressed. She really had a strong last mile. That last thousand meters, she really finished strong.

“It was huge for our program, because she was the first girl to win the individual state championship,” Miller said. “From that standpoint, it was very big, and of course that was a goal of hers all season long. For her to achieve that was truly special.”

Miller said that having an athlete of Simon's caliber on the team is great from a coaching perspective.

“Having a state champion is really huge for our program in that it sets a standard of excellence,” Miller said. “Skyler is a great leader and someone that everyone in our program really looks up to and respects. She is an excellent example of what hard work and determination can produce.”

Simon said claiming the top prize at the state meet this year was special for her for several reasons.

“I think winning a state championship for me was just a great feeling, because it allowed me to represent our program,” Simon said. “We've been working so hard as a team through everything, and coach Miller is such a great coach. He has gotten me where I am. I think it is great to be able to win it, not only for me and the team, but also for GHS.”

Simon said that in addition to being thrilled at winning a state championship, she was very satisfied with her performance at state, as well.

“Honestly, it felt like a perfect race for me, because I felt like I was flying,” Simon said. “There was not strain in my running, and it almost felt like it all just came from my heart. Time wise, it was a PR for me, but there is always that question of could I have run faster. That day, I did what it took, and it felt like it was the perfect race because of the situation—having all my teammates around. It was just a great time to win it.”

Simon said she feels another part of her job is to be a leader and motivator.

“I try to bring leadership and energy,” Simon said. “A lot of times, when we get up to practice at 6:30 in the morning, people might be tired and dragging after being up late doing homework or whatever, and I just want to bring a positive energy that will wake everyone up, and hopefully get everyone excited to run.”

Simon's objectives for the spring are to go to the state track meet in the 3,200 event, break five minutes in the mile and run about a 10:45 in the two-mile.

This story was originally published December 15, 2014 at 2:33 PM with the headline "State championship could elevate Mustangs cross country."