Katie Rainsberger crosses the finish line as the winner of the Nike Cross Nationals in Oregon (Photo: Nike)
Katie Rainsberger from Air Academy in Colorado Spring won the Nike Cross Nationals last fall, was named the Gatorade National Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year and then ran the mile at New Balance Indoor Nationals in the fourth best time by a U.S. high schooler in 4:36.61.
But before she heads to Oregon, the American Family Insurance Preseason ALL-USA distance runner has a few more things to accomplish on the track. Her goal Saturday was to help Air Academy qualify for the 3,200 meter relay for next month’s Colorado state championships — and then leave the Mullen’s Runners Rooster for the trip back to Colorado Springs to get ready for the prom.
Rainsberger, Lilliana Hamilton, Maria Mettler and Kayla Wiitala won the event in 9 minutes, 31.37 seconds, according to The Denver Post, to qualify for the state meet.
And Rainsberger apparently made it back in plenty of time to make the prom.