By Rachel Pearson

Catherine Liggett set a new personal and school record for Girls’ Cross Country Saturday when she placed eighth at the Regionals Meet. Being the only runner from Legend to move on to the State meet, she will represent the school when she runs on Saturday, Oct. 26 at the State meet in Colorado Springs.

“It’s going to be a lot different to not have my teammates with me at the start line on Saturday,” Liggett said. “It’s nerve wrecking to know I will be competing without them.”

Despite not being able to take the rest of her team with her, she knows they will support her as she runs for the State meet.

“Even though they didn’t need to, they still came out to practice with me and push me to run my hardest,” Liggett said.

Making it to State has been this season’s goal for Liggett. When she realized that she was one of the top 15 runners to move on to State, she felt a great sense of relief.

“It was reassuring to know all the preseason and season’s hard work had paid off.” Liggett said. “The whole season’s work and preparation relied on that one race.”

But just being in the State meet will not be enough for Liggett. She hopes to do well enough so that she reflects the name of Legend.

“I want to represent my team, my school, and my family,” Liggett said. “I want to get Legend’s name out there and make it school people know about.”

Liggett realizes that her success is not solely through her work. She finds motivation through other’s doubts.

“When others say you can’t run a certain time or get a specific place, your only reaction should be to turn around and say ‘watch me’,” Liggett said.