* Summer Wilson made history in her big win at the Orange County
Photo Credit: Raymond Tran/MileSplit California
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One of the final weekends before we dive right into the in-state postseason, the stars were out as they were making some last minute tune-ups.
The National Performer of the Week poll will close at 5 p.m. CT on Thursday, October 23, and the winner will be announced shortly after.
Take a look at five of the top-performing girls from this past weekend.
*Athletes cannot be nominated for National Performer of the Week in back-to-back weeks*
This Week's Nominees:
Lily Alder, Timpview (Utah): A little less than two weeks removed from a sixth-place finish at the Great American XC Festival, the future BYU Cougar picked up her second UHSAA Divisional title, running 17:35.8 as she won by 65 seconds. Alder also led Timpview to a runner-up team finish as they gear up for the state championships.
Kaylie Shultz, Salina Central (Kan.): For the sixth straight time this fall, it was Shultz who was first to the finish line, but this time she added a little bit of history in her victory. At the AVCTL DI/DII League meet, Shultz became the second-fastest Kansan ever in cross country, running a huge PB of 16:35.22. The junior is now the second Kansan girl to ever break 16:40, and just the sixth to dip under 17:00.
Summer Wilson, Irvine (Calif.): Welcome to the record books! At the Orange County XC Championships smashed the course and meet record for 3 miles. Winning by over 30 seconds, Wilson comfortably navigated the course at Oak Canyon Park, becoming the first girl to ever break 16:00. Wilson also moved up to No. 11 on the all-time lists, becoming the 13th girl in prep history to break 15:50.
Elin Latta, South Texas Heat Homeschool (Texas): After making the trip up from Texas, the sophomore didn't waste a good opportunity to race, smashing her previous best to win The VA XC Showcase in 16:41.5, a new meet record. Along with her four sisters, Latta led the South Texas Heat to a third-place finish in a field of 30+. Latta is currently the second-fastest sophomore in the country.
Leah Starkey, Ocean Township (N.J.): Another day, another win for the sophomore. At the Monmouth County XC Championships, Starkey once again left the field in her rearview mirror, building a 60 second lead by the time she got to the finish. In her second year at the high school level, Starkey continues to shine and make a name for herself on the East Coast.
NPOTW's Previous Winners:
Week 1: Sophia Szolosi, Athens (Ohio)
Week 2: Addison Kegel, Billings Central Catholic (Mont.)
Week 3: Brianna Reilly, Harrisburg (S.D.)
Week 4: Sienna Anderson, Summit (Tenn.)
Week 5: Jazzlyn Garner, The Webb School of Knoxville (Tenn.)
Week 6: Kaitlyn Carr, Smithville (Ohio)
Week 7: Leila Hailey, Rockvale (Tenn.)
Week 8: Macy Wingard, Denton-Braswell (Texas)