Crossing into this week’s Athlete of the Week, East is shining the spotlight on senior cross country runner, Julia Burney. According to her coaches and teammates, Burney embodies the E.A.S.T. values: Excellence, Academics, Spirit, and Tradition.

For Burney, running has been a lifelong passion; one that started all the way back in fourth grade, inspired by her mom. 

“My mom got me started running in fourth grade, and I’ve loved it ever since,” Burney said. “I joined cross country in sixth grade and have done it all throughout middle school and high school.”

A typical week of training for Burney includes one to two workouts, a race, and a few easy run days in between. It’s a demanding schedule, but its clearly paid off. Her proudest moment of the season came when she placed 15th at the conference meet, earning All-Conference honors.

“I’m so honored to be Athlete of the Week because it really shows how far I’ve come since my freshman year,” Burney said.

Head coach of the girls cross country team at East, Lisa cook, highlights the ways that Burney has contributed to the team’s overall performance this season.

“Julia has led our team throughout the season in many ways.  At every race she has competed in, she has been our first finisher for the team.  The girls look up and know that Julia has put herself towards the front of the race, and that is a powerful thing for her teammates to see.” Cook said “She has helped to set the tone and has taken a lot of new teammates under her wing as well.”  

Her teammates, like Junior Avery Beedles, describe her as a dedicated and supportive leader.

“Julia always helps the underclassmen and makes everyone feel included. She’s someone we all look up to.” Beedles said

When asked what advice she’d give to younger runners, Burney talks about the importance of persistence.

“Stick with the sport because it’s so rewarding once you really start to embrace and love it,” Burney said.

Looking ahead, Burney is eager for the upcoming postseason races and hopes to qualify for state. Beyond high school, she’s committed to continue her running career at Wartburg College, where she’s excited to take on new challenges and grow as both a student and an athlete.

Written by junior Michelle Wannah. Edited by staff writers for Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl.