Junior Ellie Waters raced at State finals for cross country over Thanksgiving break weekend, and boy did she impress. She placed a strong #69 out of nearly 200 of the top female runners in all of California.  This was Ellie’s third year of advancing to state and she looks to become the first ever Ripon high runner to make it all four years if she can continue the hard work and effort.  Ellie improved tremendously this year on this course, as the past two years she hyperventilated during her races.  The pressure and excitement had caused her to start too fast but she managed to hold a strong pace all of this year!

“Everyone is running so fast, being with the top girls from CA, that you just want to push to keep up with them, but you have to hold back so you don’t die during the race,” said Ellie.  Both Calkins and Señora McPhearson made the drive to Clovis along with a few team members.  Ellie has proved to be an outstanding runner who is truly making her stride in the running world. Ellie has also joined The Buffalo Babes running team and will continue to compete in the off season of school XC.  “It’s been a great year and a great season, and I’m happy to be spending my break with my runners, as they put in the work to achieve what they do.”

Be sure to congratulate Ellie next time you see her for making a third time to state finals!

Photo creds: Paul Calkins

By:Nick Bartlett