2014 All-Missourian Cross Country

Chelsea Drum, jr., Jackson

Twitter handle: @chelsea_drum

Favorite team tradition: Pasta dinner and praying before each race

Favorite memory from the season: When we found out both teams qualified for state this year

Favorite pre-race food: Waffles

Favorite course to run: Memphis Twilight Relays and Chile Pepper in Fayetteville, Arkansas

Favorite flavor of Gatorade: Fruit Punch

What has been your greatest accomplishment as an athlete: Ninth place at state and qualifying as a team this year

What has been your greatest disappointment as an athlete: Not performing as well as I wanted to last year as a sophomore

The longest distance I've ever run is: A half marathon

One thing most people don't understand about cross country running is: That mental strength plays a large role in how well you perform along with your physical abilities

The best way to improve your course times is: To kill it in the preseason training

Running is: Awesome when you have great teammates like I do

Photo by LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

Rudy McClellan, so., Notre Dame

Twitter handle: @RudeAwakening

Favorite team tradition: Chinese Buffet before state

Favorite song to run to: Rider Future

Favorite memory from the season: Making it to state as a team

Favorite pre-race food: Pancakes

Favorite course to run: State (Oak Hills Golf Course in Jefferson City)

Favorite flavor of Gatorade: Blue

What has been your greatest accomplishment as an athlete: Breaking my brother's mile record as a freshman

What has been your greatest disappointment as an athlete: Not being able to race at state last year

The longest distance I've ever run is: 14 miles

One thing most people don't understand about cross country running is: We do a lot more than running

The best way to improve your course times is: To run six days a week no matter how far

Running is: A stress reliever

Photo by Laura Simon ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Rudy McClellan - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Rudy McClellan - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Rudy McClellan - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Rudy McClellan - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Rudy McClellan - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Rudy McClellan - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Rudy McClellan - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Rudy McClellan - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Rudy McClellan - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Rudy McClellan - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Rudy McClellan - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Rudy McClellan - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Rudy McClellan - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Rudy McClellan - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

Tayler Winick, sr., Jackson

After-graduation plans: To run in college and go to school to become a pharmacist

Favorite song to run to: "Blank Space" by Taylor Swift

Favorite memory from the season: Starting off our season by getting second place at the Chile Pepper meet in Fayetteville, Arkansas

Favorite pre-race food: Subway

Favorite course to run: Memphis Twilight Relays

Favorite flavor of Gatorade: Blue

What has been your greatest accomplishment as an athlete: Being able to run a half marathon with my team at Joe Bill Dixon running camp

What has been your greatest disappointment as an athlete: Struggling through my hip injury all season

The longest distance I've ever run is: Half marathon

The best way to improve your course times is: Using your teammates to help push you to go faster

Photo by LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Tayler Winick - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Tayler Winick - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Tayler Winick - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Tayler Winick - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Tayler Winick - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Tayler Winick - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Tayler Winick - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Tayler Winick - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Tayler Winick - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Tayler Winick - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

Alaina Baumgart, fr., Notre Dame

Favorite team tradition: Praying in the huddle before each race

Favorite song to run to: "Final Countdown"

Favorite memory from the season: Winning at conference as a team

Favorite pre-race food: Bananas

Favorite course to run: Forest Park in St. Louis

Favorite flavor of Gatorade: Lemon Lime

What has been your greatest accomplishment as an athlete: Getting all-state

What has been your greatest disappointment as an athlete: Not making it to state as a team

The longest distance I've ever run is: 8.1 miles

One thing most people don't understand about cross country running is: How much of a team sport it is

The best way to improve your course times is: To believe in yourself and give it everything you have

Running is: Amazing and has become a huge part of my life

Photo by LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alaina Baumgart - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alaina Baumgart - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alaina Baumgart - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alaina Baumgart - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alaina Baumgart - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alaina Baumgart - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alaina Baumgart - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alaina Baumgart - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alaina Baumgart - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alaina Baumgart - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alaina Baumgart - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alaina Baumgart - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

Alleigh Emmendorfer, so., Notre Dame

Twitter handle: @alleighe75

Favorite team tradition: Praying before each race

Favorite song to run to: "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield

Favorite memory from the season: Team speeches at the Farmington Invitational

Favorite pre-race food: Granola bars

Favorite course to run: Memphis Twilight Relays

Favorite flavor of Gatorade: Glacier Cherry

What has been your greatest accomplishment as an athlete: Ran 7.5 miles in under one hour

What has been your greatest disappointment as an athlete: Getting 16th at districts when they only take 15 girls to state; with that, I let down my team and myself.

The longest distance I've ever run is: 7.5 miles

One thing most people don't understand about cross country running is: The crazy practices are completely worth it. Being able to help out the team is an amazing feeling

The best way to improve your course times is: Set goals and have people to help motivate you; in return, you should motivate them.

Running is: Intense. It's hard but well worth it. The rush is the most relaxing feeling I've ever encountered.

Photo by LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alleigh Emmendorfer - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alleigh Emmendorfer - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alleigh Emmendorfer - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alleigh Emmendorfer - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alleigh Emmendorfer - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alleigh Emmendorfer - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alleigh Emmendorfer - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alleigh Emmendorfer - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alleigh Emmendorfer - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alleigh Emmendorfer - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alleigh Emmendorfer - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alleigh Emmendorfer - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alleigh Emmendorfer - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alleigh Emmendorfer - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

Brock Kasten, sr., Notre Dame

After-graduation plans: Attending Maryville University and possibly running cross country

Twitter handle: @BrockKasten

Favorite team tradition: Chinese Buffet before state

Favorite song to run to: "Now or Never" by Kendrick Lamar

Favorite memory from the season: Going to state as a team for the first time

Favorite pre-race food: Chicken alfredo

Favorite course to run: Engler Park in Farmington

Favorite flavor of Gatorade: White Cherry

What has been your greatest accomplishment as an athlete: Getting second place at state as a team

What has been your greatest disappointment as an athlete: Getting called for all-state and then finding out they miscounted. I got 26th.

The longest distance I've ever run is: 13.1 miles

One thing most people don't understand about cross country running is: That it really is a team sport

The best way to improve your course times is: Work hard in practice every day

Running is: My relief from school

Photo by LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Brock Kasten - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Brock Kasten - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Brock Kasten - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Brock Kasten - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Brock Kasten - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Brock Kasten - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Brock Kasten - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Brock Kasten - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Brock Kasten - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Brock Kasten - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Brock Kasten - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Brock Kasten - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Brock Kasten - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Brock Kasten - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Brock Kasten - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

Carli Knott, jr. Jackson

Twitter handle: @car_knott

Favorite team tradition: Praying before we run

Favorite song to run to: "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift

Favorite memory from the season: Finding out we advanced to state as a team

Favorite pre-race food: Granola

Favorite course to run: Engler Park in Farmington

Favorite flavor of Gatorade: Pink

What has been your greatest accomplishment as an athlete: Being able to qualify for state in both cross country and track

What has been your greatest disappointment as an athlete: Not being able to run at the conference meet this year because of an injury

The longest distance I've ever run is: A half marathon

One thing most people don't understand about cross country running is: It is not only just about the running; it includes your mind, strength and heart.

The best way to improve your course times is: Pushing yourself until the end and having a kick at the end

Running is: A love/hate relationship but always makes me feel accomplished after doing it

Photo by LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

Katie Hanners, so., Notre Dame

Twitter handle: @katie__hanners

Favorite team tradition: Praying before we run

Favorite song to run to: Katy Perry

Favorite memory from the season: Crossing the line at Forest Park

Favorite pre-race food: Granola and dark chocolate

Favorite course to run: Forest Park in St. Louis

Favorite flavor of Gatorade: Blue

What has been your greatest accomplishment as an athlete: Improving my times and being a strong leader

What has been your greatest disappointment as an athlete: Failing to place high enough at districts to advance to state

The longest distance I've ever run is: The donut half mile marathon at Joe Bill Dixon

One thing most people don't understand about cross country running is: A huge part of the sport is mental

The best way to improve your course times is: Base, mileage, more running

Running is: The best thing in my life

Photo by LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Katie Hanners - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Katie Hanners - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Katie Hanners - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Katie Hanners - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Katie Hanners - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Katie Hanners - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Katie Hanners - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Katie Hanners - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Katie Hanners - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Katie Hanners - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Katie Hanners - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Katie Hanners - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Katie Hanners - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

Levi Krauss, jr., St. Vincent

After-graduation plans: Making it into college

Favorite team tradition: Pasta nights before meets

Favorite memory from the season: The district meet, because I won individually and our team won the meet, which made us back-to-back district champions

Favorite pre-race food: A banana

Favorite course to run: Forest Park in St. Louis

Favorite flavor of Gatorade: Lemon Lime

What has been your greatest accomplishment as an athlete: Getting a state medal

What has been your greatest disappointment as an athlete: Not winning the state meet as a team this year after the tie-breaker

The longest distance I've ever run is: 9 miles

One thing most people don't understand about cross country running is: The hardest part of meets is the mental battle you have with yourself.

The best way to improve your course times is: Run more distance

Running is: Watching other team members who thought they couldn't finish a race at the start of the season run at the state meet

Photo by LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Levi Krauss - St. Vincent High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Levi Krauss - St. Vincent High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Levi Krauss - St. Vincent High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Levi Krauss - St. Vincent High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Levi Krauss - St. Vincent High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Levi Krauss - St. Vincent High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Levi Krauss - St. Vincent High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Levi Krauss - St. Vincent High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Levi Krauss - St. Vincent High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Levi Krauss - St. Vincent High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Levi Krauss - St. Vincent High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Levi Krauss - St. Vincent High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Levi Krauss - St. Vincent High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alaina Baumgart and Alleigh Emmendorfer - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alaina Baumgart and Alleigh Emmendorfer - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alaina Baumgart and Alleigh Emmendorfer - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alaina Baumgart and Alleigh Emmendorfer - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alaina Baumgart and Alleigh Emmendorfer - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alaina Baumgart and Alleigh Emmendorfer - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alaina Baumgart and Alleigh Emmendorfer - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alaina Baumgart and Alleigh Emmendorfer - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alaina Baumgart and Alleigh Emmendorfer - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Alaina Baumgart and Alleigh Emmendorfer - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Rudy McClellan and Brock Kasten - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Rudy McClellan and Brock Kasten - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Rudy McClellan and Brock Kasten - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Rudy McClellan and Brock Kasten - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Rudy McClellan and Brock Kasten - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Rudy McClellan and Brock Kasten - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Rudy McClellan and Brock Kasten - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Rudy McClellan and Brock Kasten - Notre Dame Regional High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum, Tayler Winick and Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum, Tayler Winick and Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum, Tayler Winick and Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum, Tayler Winick and Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum, Tayler Winick and Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum, Tayler Winick and Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum, Tayler Winick and Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum, Tayler Winick and Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum, Tayler Winick and Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum, Tayler Winick and Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum, Tayler Winick and Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum, Tayler Winick and Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Chelsea Drum, Tayler Winick and Carli Knott - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Jack Jeffers, Ean Buffington and Jackson Givens - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Jack Jeffers, Ean Buffington and Jackson Givens - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Jack Jeffers, Ean Buffington and Jackson Givens - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Jack Jeffers, Ean Buffington and Jackson Givens - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Jack Jeffers, Ean Buffington and Jackson Givens - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Jack Jeffers, Ean Buffington and Jackson Givens - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Jack Jeffers, Ean Buffington and Jackson Givens - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Jack Jeffers, Ean Buffington and Jackson Givens - Jackson High School (Laura Simon)

Ean Buffington, fr., Jackson

Twitter handle: @1ean1 (Instagram)

Favorite team tradition: Leg shaving before the Chile Pepper meet in Fayetteville, Arkansas

Favorite song to run to: Don't listen to music during runs. Can't hear anything around me

Favorite memory from the season: Man fire after districts (campout)

Favorite pre-race food: Bagel or peanut butter and jelly and yogurt and a banana

Favorite course to run: Chile Pepper in Fayetteville, Arkansas

Favorite flavor of Gatorade: I'm mostly a water drinker

What has been your greatest accomplishment as an athlete: Breaking two school records in junior high track last year in the 800 and 1600 meters and making it to state as a freshman

What has been your greatest disappointment as an athlete: The state meet, along with falling in the first mile, I had an injured foot

The longest distance I've ever run is: Around 10 miles

One thing most people don't understand about cross country running is: My name is not Forrest Gump

The best way to improve your course times is: Training beforehand, but it really all comes down to how hard you push yourself every day and during the race.

Running is: "Fun..."

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Ean Buffington - Jackson High School (Glenn Landberg)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Ean Buffington - Jackson High School (Glenn Landberg)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Ean Buffington - Jackson High School (Glenn Landberg)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Ean Buffington - Jackson High School (Glenn Landberg)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Ean Buffington - Jackson High School (Glenn Landberg)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Ean Buffington - Jackson High School (Glenn Landberg)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Ean Buffington - Jackson High School (Glenn Landberg)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Ean Buffington - Jackson High School (Glenn Landberg)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Ean Buffington - Jackson High School (Glenn Landberg)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Ean Buffington - Jackson High School (Glenn Landberg)

Jack Jeffers, sr., Jackson

After-graduation plans: Running track at Troy University

Twitter handle: @jeffersjack

Favorite team tradition: Man fire

Favorite song to run to: "Duel of the Fates" by John Williams

Favorite memory from the season: Playing rock-paper-scissors tournaments on long runs

Favorite pre-race food: Onions

Favorite course to run: Chile Pepper in Fayetteville, Arkansas

Favorite flavor of Gatorade: Cool Blue

What has been your greatest accomplishment as an athlete: Being all-state as well as being district champion, individually and with my team

What has been your greatest disappointment as an athlete: Being 6-foot in sixth grade and never growing since. Now, I'll never be in the NBA...

The longest distance I've ever run is: 14.7 miles at Joe Bill Camp

One thing most people don't understand about cross country running is: We can lift more than the football team

Photo by GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Jack Jeffers - Jackson High School (Glenn Landberg)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Jack Jeffers - Jackson High School (Glenn Landberg)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Jack Jeffers - Jackson High School (Glenn Landberg)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Jack Jeffers - Jackson High School (Glenn Landberg)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Jack Jeffers - Jackson High School (Glenn Landberg)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Jack Jeffers - Jackson High School (Glenn Landberg)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Jack Jeffers - Jackson High School (Glenn Landberg)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Jack Jeffers - Jackson High School (Glenn Landberg)

Jackson Givens, jr., Jackson

Favorite team tradition: Rock band at Jack's house

Favorite memory from the season: Going on long runs

Favorite pre-race food: Pasta

Favorite course to run: State (Oak Hills Golf Course in Jefferson City)

Favorite flavor of Gatorade: Cool Blue

What has been your greatest accomplishment as an athlete: Having a personal record at state

What has been your greatest disappointment as an athlete: Losing to Caleb Bess

The longest distance I've ever run is: 14 miles

One thing most people don't understand about cross country running is: Doughnuts are good

The best way to improve your course times is: Banana the curves

Running is: Somewhere between walking and sprinting

Photo by GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Jackson Givens - Jackson High School (Glenn Landberg)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Jackson Givens - Jackson High School (Glenn Landberg)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Jackson Givens - Jackson High School (Glenn Landberg)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Jackson Givens - Jackson High School (Glenn Landberg)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Jackson Givens - Jackson High School (Glenn Landberg)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Jackson Givens - Jackson High School (Glenn Landberg)

2014 All-Missourian Cross Country - Jackson Givens and Ean Buffington - Jackson High School (Glenn Landberg)