KARNSCITY — Almost everything about Xandria White is unique.

From the path she took to get to the Karns City High School girls track and field team to her first name and right down to her shoes, White has her own distinct story.

It starts in Virginia, where she was born, and winds through the many states where she has lived while growing up — places like Idaho, California, Nevada and most recently Sandy, Utah — about 17 miles fromSalt Lake City.

"Iget along with everyone," White said. "I learned how to make friends moving around as much as I have. I've been in a different school almost every year."

But at none of those stops did White run track — or play any other sport for that matter.

She had no plans to do so at Karns City when her family moved to Bradys Bend inSeptember after her grandfather died and her grandmother suffered a stroke.

It wasn't until Lisa Kepple, a physical education teacher at the school, saw White running with some of the males in her class — and striding right along with them — that she suggested that White give track a try.

She did, and the results have been startling.

In her first year of track and field, White has set four Karns City records. Her name is at the top of the list in the 100-meter dash (12.5 seconds), the 200-meter dash (25.8) and in the long jump (17 feet, 2½ inches).

The junior is also part of the Gremlins' 400-meter relay team, along with Melissa Collier, Karissa Callender and Tausha Bowser, that has the school record of 51.2.

"It's kind of crazy," White said. "I never thought I would get a school record in all of my events."

The long jump record had stood for 25 years. White set it last week at 17 feet and then broke it again Tuesday against Union in the final dual meet of the season.

The records in the 100 and the 200 belonged to Samantha Pistorius, who graduated in 2004.

Gremlins coach Ed Kepple was in awe of White from the first day of practice.

"My wife kind of downplayed just how good she was," said Kepple, who is in his 19th year as coach. "She ranks right up there with some of the best I've ever had. She's right up there with Sam (Pistorius)."

The scary part is that White believes she has only scratched the surface.

She improved her 200 time by taking the advice of her mother, Lillian Snow, who told her to run the 200 as if she were running a 220.

That helped her finish stronger and cut precious ticks off her time.

Shetook up the long jump only after struggling as part of the 1,600-meter relay team.

Her 17-2½ in the long jump would have been good enough for sixth place last year at the PIAA Track and Field Championships inClass AA. The winning jump was 18-5 — a number that is not out of the question for White.

"I'm hoping I'll get a lot better," White said. "I'm planning on running with the guys. Some of them ran a 12.6 in the 100, so I'm right there with them."

White, who has never lost a race in the 100 or the 200, is still trying to wrap her mind around her sudden rise to prominence in the sport, not only at Karns City, but around the district.

White is striving to advance to the state meet in all four of her events.

"I guess this is unexpected," White said. "I never thought I would be the best girl at the school — that's what everyone calls me anyway. And then there are my shoes."

Ah, yes, the shoes.

White's footwear are a constant source of conversation among the Gremlins and their opponents.

They are yellow. Bright yellow. They have red stripes and a red sole.

"They call them Ronald McDonald shoes," White said, chuckling. "They make fun of them. My mom tells me to just run so fast they become a blur.

White's nomadic days may be over. Her stepfather, Brian Snow, is a minister at Trinity United Church of Christ in Bradys Bend — right next door to their home.

White may not have to change schools again, which is pleasant news to Ed Kepple.

"My only wish is she was a freshman," Kepple said, laughing.