Cera Schenck '26 Recruiting Profile

I began running cross country in the fall of my 7th grade year, quickly finding success in the sport. Throughout junior high, I remained undefeated in the 1600 and 3200-meter races, consistently winning every competition for my school, Frontenac. After my 8th-grade year, I competed individually at the Junior High State in Emporia, Kansas. Just days after that meet, I received a call from Coach David Ramsey, inviting me to join the Browcaw Blazers for the CC Coaches National Youth Championships in Paris, Kentucky. My personal record (PR) for the 3200 meters at that time was 11:36.

Junior high track was a unique experience for me as I competed in distances ranging from the 100 meters to the 3200 meters. Some of my standout performances included a 12:35 in the 3200 meters, a 5:39 in the 1600 meters, a 2:37 in the 800 meters, and a 1:09 in the 400 meters. By this point, I had achieved considerable success in the sport.

My freshman year marked the beginning of my high school cross country career, and I started strong with a 20:44 in my first-ever 5k race. I had an overall great season, qualifying for the 3A State in Lawrence, Kansas, where I finished 42nd. Although it wasn’t my best performance, the experience was invaluable and prepared me for future seasons. By the end of the season, my 5k PR was 20:02. Following the season, I competed again at the CC National Youth Championship for Coach David Ramsey.

In my freshman year of track, I competed in distances ranging from the 3200 meters to the 400 meters. I posted solid times in all my events: 13:10 in the 3200 meters, 5:56 in the 1600 meters, 2:42 in the 800 meters, and a personal best of 11:21 in the 4x800 relay. Though my regional meet presented challenges, I still managed to qualify for state in the 4x800 relay with the help of my teammates, where we placed 16th.

Sophomore year brought unexpected health challenges as I struggled with low blood sugar, which caused fainting and lightheadedness during my runs. Once we identified the issue, I quickly returned to form. Despite these setbacks, I pushed through the season, even though my 5k PR was 21:20, a bit slower than I had hoped. Track season was also difficult, as I sustained a shin injury due to bone marrow edema just a month into the season. I raced only a few times before the injury took its toll. Despite the setback, I continued to train by cross-training and using the elliptical. Miraculously, I was cleared to compete just three days before regionals. I ran in the 4x800 relay, placing 2nd with a new season record, and qualified for state! I made it to state by placing 7th at regionals. My short season saw PRs of 13:18 in the 3200 meters and 6:15 in the 1600 meters, though I only raced those events once while battling through the pain.

My junior year of cross country was a turning point. It rekindled my love for the sport, as I finally found my stride again after a couple of difficult years. I performed well throughout the season, gaining confidence and overcoming race anxiety that had plagued me in the past. My 5k PR for the season was 21:04, a result I was proud of.

Looking to the future, I aspire to attend a Christian college where I can pursue my academic goal of becoming a NICU nurse. To achieve this, I plan to complete an Associate's Degree in Nursing. Throughout my college years, I aim to excel both academically and athletically, striving to make my school and coaches proud by running fast, maintaining strong grades, and keeping a positive, encouraging attitude.