Getting off to a good start

By Beau Wicker
Pharos-Tribune sports writer

May 07, 2008 01:57 am

— Ashley Baber has gotten off to a fast start to her running career.
The Lewis Cass freshman finished runner-up at this past season’s cross country sectional, then placed fifth at the regional and 43rd at the semi-state.
Baber also runs distance events for the Lady Kings’ track team but prefers cross country because of the different running terrains the sport offers and she feels cross country has more of a team-feel to it. Baber did win the 3200-meter run at the Cass County Meet recently.
Though just a freshman, Baber already has plans to attend Anderson University and run cross country there.
Q. Of the sports that you play, which is your favorite? Why?
A. Cross country. It’s an individual sport plus a team sport. It is also challenging because of the running course. In cross country you run on anything from rocks, sand, gravel, hills and mud.
Q. How did you first get started in sports? At what age?
A. I was 10 when I started running. I ran the Fun Run and won the fourth grade girls race. That’s when I knew cross country was for me.
Q. Do you have any family members that played sports?
A. Yes, I have two uncles that played baseball and football. I also had a cousin that played on the All-Star football team last year.
Q. Have you ever played a sport that you were not successful at?
A. Yes, last year in eighth grade I tried swimming. I wasn’t very good, but I did improve a little. That just makes you appreciate the gifts and talents God gives you even more.
Q. How do you feel you’ve improved as an athlete since you first started playing?
A. I think I’ve gotten stronger. In practice you get tired, but that’s when you improve. If it doesn’t kill you (I’m sure it won’t), then you get stronger.
Q. What kind of person would your teammates say you are?
A. I think they would say I’m a hard worker and a person who has fun.
Q. Who do you try to emulate in your life? Why?
A. Chelsea Bower. She is a good runner that never gives up. She is also a person with a lot of integrity. Chelsea has been a good role model and positive influence on my running.
Q. What experiences have you had in sports that have made you the athlete you are today?
A. If God gives you a gift, ask for his help and you will do. If you don’t ask you will not do as well.
Q. What is something that not everyone knows about you.
A. My favorite snack is Oreos and milk. I love it. I eat it almost everyday.
Q. What is your favorite memory of playing sports at your school?
A. My favorite memory is when I went to semi-state. There were a lot of girls in my race. A lot of people went to watch me run. My parents went to almost all of my cross country meets.
Q. What are your goals for your future? Do you plan to go to college?
A. In the futrue I plan to attend Anderson University and major in the nursing field. I would also like to run for their cross country team.
Next week: Read about the accomplishments of an outstanding Logansport senior.

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