This season Keeley was more focused with desire and determination. It was like she was on a mission and she was training and running like it as well.
Keeley came into this season with one goal, and that was to help her team win. When you join the Maroon cross country team, “you’re family for life.” This is a team sport and one person cannot make the team. It’s somewhat like a fine tuned car. You can’t drive a car without a wheel, you need four of them and a driver.
The race: Coach Taylor and Iams’ had no goal for Keeley in this race. She’s a captain, and a four year letterman, and she gives advice to the team. She has also gone to state three consecutive years with previous teams and as an individual. Now when it comes to performing in big meets, Keeley is the person you want to have on your side.
Sectionals at Quincy: Keeley looked good the first two miles, however the last mile she just didn’t have it. Keeley finished the sectional race in 29th place with a time of (19:25). This was Keeley’s slowest time of the entire season. It wasn’t due to lack of effort that kept Keeley from qualifying for the state meet. Keeley gives 110% every time she steps on a cross country course or track. Her heart and desire and internal drive is second to none and she can compete with anyone.
This was caused by one thing and one thing only, THE FLU!
We can’t control when we get sick. When Keeley became ill it was very difficult to recover. It just happened at an inopportune time. An average athlete would have just given up for the season, but not Keeley. She ran with heart, and desire and determination, however she just wasn’t at 100%. Coach Taylor and Iams, are amazed she was able to run as fast as she did the last several races. Several coaches couldn’t believe she was still running, and running so well, when you shouldn’t be. Everybody knew she was doing the impossible
These are the facts:
She ran 18:44 at the Rock Island Invite
She beat the Rock Island #1 runner by 40 seconds (Agok)
She beat the Annawan #1 runner by 3 seconds (Kristy Ramsey)
This was on September 26.
Many believe that you would have been in the top 5 for the Regional & Sectional meets and won the Western Big 6!!!!
The Rock Island runner is running the time you ran a month ago.
Keep smiling and being you, a leader, because a healthy Keeley Knobloch is dangerous.
