Khelsa Connolly, Rachel Hall and Caroline Perrone were featured in The Frederick News Post as All-County athletes in cross country for their achievements during the 2018 fall season.

Senior Khelsa Connolly has been making waves in the cross country and track community,  breaking records and setting personal bests.

Currently, Connolly is participating in indoor track. At the last meet, Connolly ran a 5:36 mile and set a new personal best in the 800 with a time of 2:32.

Connolly loves track and field because of how competitive it can be. She also likes running for the team because it can be individual but it is also very team-oriented.

Varsity runner Abby Parker said, “Khelsa helps you push yourself to do better and shes also a good leader and great friend.”

Connolly’s events are the 500, 800, 1600, and the 4 x 8.

Although she is not sure what college she wants to attend, she is considering Salisbury University or Robert Morris University. She wants to study nursing and has an interest in becoming a midwife.

Khelsa’s dad, Kevin Connolly, said, “Khelsa is a true competitor. She seems so alive when she’s preparing to race, so focused and in tune with herself. Her training programs are self-motivated. She researches her sport, follows her favorite professional runners online. Khelsa eats very healthy, takes care of her body, and gets plenty of rest so she can stay competitive. Her strength and dedication are admirable, as is her love of her teammates; we know she can do whatever she sets her mind to.”

Morgan Mathews, another team leader, has a new personal best in the 400, clocking in at 62 seconds. Her discus record is 98ft 4in, and her shotput record is 31ft 10in. Mathews enjoys track because she enjoys competition, but she said with so many different events it can be hard to focus. She enjoys the team aspect along with how it can be an individual sport.

Rachel Hall, member of the class of 2020, has a new personal record in the 3 mile with a time of 20:46. She has been running since she was 7 years old and has no plans to stop anytime soon. She is considering attending University of Maryland, Towson University or Stevenson University and wants to become a nurse.

Mathews said, “Khelsa and Rachel work together for a common goal, and it helps us achieve more as a team. They are good leaders for the team.”