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Senior leads way on cross country squad

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By JOHN CEBALLOS

jceballos@tampatrib.com

Published: October 21, 2009

RIVERVIEW - Senior Jaclyn Ferguson has been a member of the Riverview High cross country team for two years.

This year, her goal is slightly different from last season.

"My first year of running, I really wanted to improve myself and learn how to become a good runner," Ferguson said. "Now, I really want to do what I can to help the team."

Her coach certainly appreciates the leadership qualities Ferguson brings to the team.

"I think being a member of the ROTC helps a lot," said Luke Thomas, cross-country coach. "She has leadership built into her."

Besides being a member of the ROTC, Ferguson is a member of several clubs at the school, including the National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society.

She has also been part of the school's cross country and track and field squads, where she runs the mile and 2-mile races.

As she prepared for an Oct. 17 meet at E.G. Simmons Park, Ferguson stated her goal for the rest of the season is to reduce her 5k time to 23 minutes. So far, her personal best time is 24 minutes, 42 seconds.

"All of us want to get better on a personal level, but, of course, what's good for each person is good for the team in cross country," she said.
Ferguson recently was accepted into the University of South Florida, where she will study physical therapy.

Until then, she'll do what she can to become a better runner for the team and for herself.

"The main thing I enjoy about running is the feeling I get afterward," Ferguson said. "I just feel good after I run."

GET TO KNOW

WHO: Jaclyn Ferguson
AGE: 17

SCHOOL: Riverview High School
GRADE: 12th

SPORTS: cross country and track and field

FUTURE PLANS: Will attend the University of South Florida to study physical therapy

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 627-4762.

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