SR runner up to challenge
SLIPPERY ROCK — While most of her cross country teammates are beginning their three-mile practice run, Jessica Bennett waits.
It's not because the Slippery Rock High junior is late or lazy. It's because she's preparing for a challenge.
After about 10 minutes of being idle, Bennett is free to run the winding, hilly course. Her mission: catch every last runner.
Most of the time, Bennett does.
"I don't like it that much," says Bennett. "But it helps me and pushes me. It's definitely a challenge."
The unusual practice is the brainstorm of Slippery Rock coach Jessica Schoeffel, who devised the plan to keep her No. 1 runner pressed in practice.
"What has been a challenge is getting Jessica to be pushed," Schoeffel said. "If she has an Achilles' heel, it is she hates to be behind people. She wants to be out in front."
Being out in front is a natural position for Bennett, who has advanced to the PIAA cross country meet the last two seasons.
Bennett also reached the PIAA Track and Field Championships last spring in the 3,200-meter run and won the Butler Road Race in June.
Not bad for a girl who didn't have much success in junior high.
"I started out in track in seventh grade and I was horrible," Bennett said.
But the next year, Bennett joined the cross country team and everything changed.
"I found it. It clicked," Bennett said. "That was my thing."
Bennett logs about five miles per day. If there is a road race, she enters it.
Schoeffel can't think of a better role model for other runners than Bennett.
"Without a doubt, she is really the model athlete," Schoeffel said. "She's good in school. She works hard every day in practice. She goes to camps, runs road races and gives 100 percent every time out."
Deep down, though, Bennett strives to be better than everyone else.
Last fall, she placed 31st at the state cross country meet. It was a disappointing finish that has Bennett setting lofty goals for herself.
"I want to get a state medal," Bennett said. "I want to finish in the top 25. I'm going to work hard — really hard — for that."
