Winner: Emma Styn

School: Dublin Jerome

Quote: “The Celtic Clash is a special event… This year I was able to find extra motivation from my teammates and supporters to push myself harder than I ever thought I could… [I] hope… [to] continue this fun journey running in college."

Highlight:

Dublin Jerome sophomore Emma Styn became the hometown hero under the lights at the Celtic Clash. Her massive PR of 19:06 propelled her to her best finish of the year, 23rd place, and helped Jerome’s girls secure a 6th-place team finish, edging out last year’s state runners-up, Hilliard Davidson. For Styn, this race holds special meaning: “The Celtic Clash is a special event run on our beautiful course under the lights.” That atmosphere fueled her breakthrough performance.

“This year I was able to find extra motivation from my teammates and supporters to push myself harder than I ever thought I could,” said Styn. As just a sophomore, she’s already proving to be a key contributor for the renowned Jerome girls squad. Despite being only in her fourth year of cross country, Styn is embracing every moment of the sport and has her eyes set on the future: “[I] hope… [to] continue this fun journey running in college.” If this race is any indication, Styn won’t have any trouble finding a program to call home after high school. Expect to see her making an impact as the postseason unfolds.