Runner of the Week - Districts

Winner: Sophia Tartaglia

School: Hilliard Davidson

Highlight: Sophia Tartaglia burst onto the scene at this past weekend's District Championships. Her 30-second PR ensured that her short-handed Hilliard Davidson Wildcats were still able to easily claim the district title.

Sophia Tartaglia is the type of athlete who turns a good team into a great team. While the front runners steal the headlines and glory, the team battles are won with runners like Tartaglia. In the absence of one of their two front runners, Tartaglia stepped into the spotlight and helped her Wildcats win the District title. She’s peaking at the right time, and there's no telling how high the young sophomore’s ceiling could be.

“This season, I want to focus on helping my team achieve our goals.” Sentences like these show just how unselfish this superstar in the making is. Rather than basking in her own glory after an incredible race, she remains focused on helping her team be the best they can. If the Wildcats can get Erica Kaulen back to racing, Tartaglia won’t just be the key to a regional and state title for the Wildcats but also a berth to the prestigious Nike Cross Nationals.

Another goal listed by Tartaglia is “closing the gap on the teammates in front of me.” Her understanding of the sport at such a young age is beyond impressive. The best teams in the state and country are not only those with the best individuals but those who can minimize their scoring spread and race as a pack with their teammates. Her maturity as just a sophomore could prove vital in the closing races of the year. It’s safe to say that the girls of Hilliard Davidson won’t be leaving the top of the region and state anytime soon. With an emerging leader like Tartaglia, the Wildcats are in good hands.