FORT MILL – Fort Mill’s Meredith Kilburn has been on a nice roll this month in cross county competition. The senior has placed first in three of four races she has competed in on the state high school circuit, a run that should give her momentum heading into the state championships Nov. 5 in Columbia.
“This season has gone really well so far,” Meredith said. “I'm really thankful for all the success I've had.”
Her first-place performance at the York County Championships held at Northwestern earned her scrunners.com female Runner of the Week presented by Go-Green Timing and On On Tri.
On the boys’ side, sophomore James Quattlebaum of Christ Church received the award.
Meredith completed the 5K course at Northwestern in 18:32. That’s six seconds slower than her personal record, but it was good enough for first place at the meet. She set her personal best last month at the Wendy’s Invitational in Charlotte.
In addition to place first at the York County meet, this month Meredith has won cross-country event at the Furman Invitational and the Region 4-3A meet.
Meredith said friends got her interested in running when she was in fifth grade participating in an after-school running program. She didn’t begin competitive running until seventh grade, however.
Meredith’s coach, Marc Pyrc, said she has been a “stand-out” runner for the Yellow Jackets.
“Meredith is one of the most driven individuals that I have ever come across,” Pyrc said. “She was a good middle school runner and has grown into one of the top all-around distance runners in the state. She has an understanding of her strengths and can run strategically perfect races. She has a tremendous gas tank and the foot speed to finish.”
The coach said Meredith still has plenty of room to improve.
“She has been working long and hard for a stand-out senior season and we are all looking forward to watching what she will do. I honestly feel that her best is yet to come.”
Meredith, who doesn’t participate in other organized sports, said she would like to continue with her running in college.
“I have been looking at schools that are a great fit academically as well as athletically. I am so excited to run at the next level, whichever school I end up running for,” she said.
Pyrc said several Ivy League schools are interested in Meredith. “She will do well at the collegiate level.”
He said Meredith would be missed once she graduates next spring.
“(Meredith) has been a great help in developing our younger runners.
She will leave a legacy of excellence when she heads out from our school,” he said.
