Lauren Herzog grew up watching her brother and sister compete in cross-country and track for Gillett Secondary School. She decided to follow in their footsteps.
“My brother (Mark) and sister (Jenna) ran before me, and they had great coaches,” Herzog said. “When I was in middle school, I ran with the high schoolers at practice.”
Now a freshman, Herzog was Gillett’s only competitor Nov. 1 at the WIAA Division 3 state cross-country championships, where she finished 21st.
“It added a little bit of pressure being the only one, but it went well,” said Herzog, who also is the 2014 Oconto County Junior Fairest of the Fair.
She qualified for state by placing fifth in the Stevens Point sectional Oct. 25.
Despite her success, Herzog knows she needs to keep getting stronger.
“I am sure the competition will get much better,” Herzog said. “It is just building up endurance to keep going.”
Herzog credits her parents, Jon and Mary Herzog, and her best friend, Elizabeth Taylor, for helping her succeed.
“My parents are very supportive and have been at every one of my meets this season,” she said.
Jon Herzog believes his daughter possesses the ingredients for success.
“She is quite driven in whatever she pursues,” he said. “This is a fun sport for her. It is right up her alley.”
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