Peyton Schmidt, recently voted the September Allen County Area Athlete of the Month, remains confident as the Crest Lady Lancers prepare to run for a state title at this weekend’s KSHSAA State Cross Country Championship in Wamego.
Her confidence comes from tackling some of the state’s most difficult courses, securing top-10 finishes throughout the season.
“Everyone else has also been to state but didn’t compete like we competed,” Schmidt said. “This is my fourth and final year, I’ve been working up to this. It hasn’t hit me this is my last race. Once I get up there, I’ll want to put in my best time for my last run.”
Schmidt, a Crest senior, kicked off the month of September with a 10th place showing at the Coach Howarter Invitational in Garnett, clearing the grueling course in 21:44. She next took second at the Fort Scott Invitational in 22:24, then followed that up at the Wellsville Invitational with a sixth place finish in 21:31.
Schmidt wrapped up the month taking 82nd in 22:19 out of a field of 376 runners at the Rim Rock Farm High School Cross Country Classic in Lawrence. “It feels good to be recognized, especially in a sport that is not as popular as volleyball or football,” Schmidt said. “I’ve had people there to push me in practice and summer running conditioned me for success early on. Even track last year helped set me up for this.”
Schmidt and the Lady Lancers recently won the KSHSAA Class 1A Regional 2 in Central Heights. They edged Centralia by 2 points. Schmidt placed third with a time of 20:52, followed by seniors Josie Walter and Aubrey Allen in 12th and 13th in 22:23 and 22:33 respectively. Sophomore Kellei Robb took 17th in 23:02. With four top-20 finishers, Schmidt feels confident they can carry their momentum into Saturday’s state championship in Wamego.
“Knowing we have a chance to win at state this year pushed me to want to get up there,” Schmidt said. “It’s been cold. It went from being in the 80s to down in the 40s, but we’re all ready and excited. We’re ready to get redemption. We got second by a pretty significant amount last year, reminding us we need to stay focused for this year.”
