Mason County Central Runner Merrick Tacktor Named Athlete of the Week After Strong Start to Season

September 2, 2026

Freshman Runner Achieves Personal Best

A Mason County Central freshman cross country runner has been named Athlete of the Week after an impressive beginning to the season. The athlete recently ran a personal best of 19:31 in the 5K, placing her within 19 seconds of the school’s record for girls.

Strong Summer Preparation

To prepare for the season, she logged over 300 miles during the summer months. Her training included both long runs, typically between six to eight miles, and speed workouts aimed at building both stamina and finishing strength.

Balancing Athletics and Academics

In addition to cross country, she also participates in track, basketball, and soccer. As a freshman, she emphasizes maintaining a balance between academics and sports, often completing homework while traveling to and from competitions. Math is her favorite subject, and she credits several teachers with making learning enjoyable.

Leadership and Team Support

Although new to high school, she strives to motivate teammates, encouraging them during races and celebrating their achievements at the finish line. She aspires to be a role model for younger runners, much as her experiences with her mother’s middle school track team inspired her when she was younger.

Looking Ahead in the Season

Her goals for the season include breaking the school record, aiming to lower her time into the 18-minute range, and qualifying for the state meet as a freshman. She believes that focusing on maintaining speed, especially during the middle mile of races, will help achieve these aspirations. Support from her coach and team continues to motivate her as the season progresses.

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