“Sophie Epps is extremely dedicated, obsessed with running (in a good way), never has an excuse if she doesn’t meet her own expectations, always stays late at practice, and puts in extra work” remarked coach Ben Schopp. As the cross-country season ended for a majority of the team during the Section meet, it was just beginning for sophomore, Sophie Epps. Epps qualified for the state meet by finishing 3rd out of 143 competitors with a time of 20 minutes. The state competition was held at St. Olaf college in Northfield, MN on November 5th. Epps finished 70th out of 176 runners that competed with a time of 20 minutes and 29 seconds. Many teammates attended the race to show their support for their fellow runner, and a few of them even created motivational posters. One sign read, “Sophie, your feet hurt from kicking so much butt” another had, “Give everything leave nothing, run like the wind Sophie” and the final one said, “Luck won’t save you from Sophie Epps.”

In addition to being a cross-country star, Epps is also a distance runner on the track team, the 3200 meter run being her favorite race. When asked: “What do you enjoy about cross-country and track?” Epps responded by stating “Cross-country and track to me isn’t just about running long distances, it has improved my confidence and how I communicate with others by being apart of a team.” Other hobbies that Epps enjoys include: singing, baking, reading, knitting, painting, and being involved in school activities. If you see Sophie in the halls, say hi, she won’t run away.