Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent

Koeyn Harris started running at an early age, and she had a strong inkling it would be a staple in her future.

“I started running in third grade because my dad (Justin) used to be a coach in Nebraska,” recalled Harris, a freshman runner on the Wildcats’ cross country team. “ So I would run at practice a couple days a week, and I really enjoyed it.

“I am not really sure when I began feeling comfortable with running. It is just something I have always liked.”

That led to her joining the middle school cross country team in sixth grade. Two years later, Harris suffered an injury, and it proved to be a test of her endurance. She made her varsity debut last year.

“Before my eighth grade season I hurt my knee,” noted Harris. “I was out for most of August and I got behind. I had to train extra hard to get back to where I was. It was a real test for me in many ways, but I knew I had to keep going.”

Fortunately for Harris and her team, she did.

Earlier this season at the team’s opening meet at the Cecil Field Summer Classic Aug. 21 in Jacksonville, Harris ran her personal best in 21:25. Throughout the season, Harris has continued to lower her times.

At the recent Great American XC Festival Oct. 2 at Cary NC, Harris slipped under the 20-minute mark in 19:52 and crossed the finish line in 10th place. She recorded her best time and best finish for the season.

In that race, Julie Anastasio was first (18:35.90) and Chloe Miller was right behind in second (18:42.20). Gabrielle Francis was sixth (19:23.10).

Head coach Levi Sybert has been impressed with Harris’ consistent buoyant attitude and approach to her sport.

“She made her debut with us last year,” said Sybert. “She brings an extremely positive attitude every day to practice. She has the ability to get along with everyone really well. Her enthusiasm to get better has been contagious.

“She has worked very hard to lower her times. We expect her to have a strong finish to her season.”

After she began running at the varsity level last year, Harris has continued to make a transition this year. Her passion for running has steadily increased.

“I am very comfortable running in my first year of high school because of my great coaches and teammates,” said Harris. “ I love feeling the adrenaline and excitement from running and that inspires me and so do my teammates, who have become my best friends.”

Her coaches and teammates have been a driving force, she says.

“I would probably say my teammates or coaches have the most influence, with their constant encouragement and reminder to do my best,” said Harris. I love meeting up with my teammates outside of practice to run together to keep ourselves running and keep each other accountable.”

“My goals for this season are to improve as much as possible,” added Harris. “I want to set a high bar for the rest of my high school career.”