Amaris Mccasland

Sophomore varsity cross country runner Amaris Mccasland has not let inexperience stand in the way of her success in both athletics and academics.

“I know she’s in a lot of AP classes,” girls cross country coach Greg Martin said. “Last year she was a part of the acapella group. She’s doing a lot and still manages to really perform well and put in the work.”

Mccasland is known for both her athletic abilities and uplifting character. 

“She’s really positive all the time, like all the time,” senior teammate Lanie Rodgers said. “It’s almost annoying how positive she is but no matter what she always just puts a good spin on things and adds an asset to the team that none of us really have.” 

Although known for her kindness, Mccasland is also considered a fierce competitor in competitions. 

“Before she even started running, she was a competitive gymnast,” Martin said. “I think has really helped her see the competitive side of things so she knows how to prepare for it.

Mccasland finished last season on a high note and has already had a strong showing this year at district, finishing in fourth place overall for the varsity girls. 

“Amaris was the only individual freshman to qualify for state in cross country last year in the 4A division, and in track she is a district champion and made it to regionals in a very competitive region,” Martin said. 

However well Mccasland has done individually, she credits her success to the team itself. 

“My biggest accomplishment would probably be honestly just being on the team with the other girls and just succeeding as a team more than individually because it makes it a lot more special,” Mccasland said.  

The team has finished first in a majority of their meets this season and never placed below third. 

“This season hopefully we’ll make state as a team and then we really wanna make top three there, that would be really awesome,” Mccasland said. “And hopefully beat Decatur.”