Skelton representing CHS in cross country
Mary Skelton
COSHOCTON – Mary Skelton’s shirt may say Coshocton, but she’s spending a lot of time with some Ridgewood Generals this fall.
Skelton, a senior at Coshocton High School, is participating in girls cross country, but practicing with Ridgewood High School’s team and following their schedule.
“I enjoy distance running and do the two mile and one mile in track,” she said. “The coach at Ridgewood saw me running for track and said I ought to go out for cross country if I didn’t have another sport that I play.”
Coshocton doesn’t have a cross country team, but with the approval of both school boards Skelton was able to participate in the sport as a CHS athlete with Ridgewood’s team.
“I didn’t even know you could do this,” Skelton said. “I wish I would have done it all four years. It’s hard work, but I love it. I really like my coach and my teammates. We are supportive of each other.”
Running 5K cross country courses this fall also will help her prepare for track season.
“It’s building my endurance,” Skelton said. “Two miles isn’t going to seem as bad compared to this. I haven’t done any meets yet, but hear we get to go up some really muddy hills in Dover. It will be nice to get to run and see some different things instead of just running around the track.”
After graduation Skelton plans to keep running for fun, but her main goal is to become a veterinarian.
“I think running helped prepare me for vet school,” she said. “When you run you have to push yourself to get better and I’m going to have to push myself to get into vet school. I think running also helps you learn to set long term goals and build character.”
Skelton is currently doing post secondary at Zane State and hopes to attend the University of Georgia next fall.
josie@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
Category: High School, Sports
