Kaitlin Karney’s running career began as an experiment. Apprehensive as to whether sports would mix with her rigorous academic schedule, she decided not to join the track team as a freshman. A year later, her curiosity had gotten the best of her. Karney stepped outside her comfort zone, becoming a three-year varsity contributor for both the cross country and track programs. Turns out, the Wright City senior was more than capable of juggling the tasks simultaneously. She will carry both to the next level, having recently signed a letter of intent to run track and cross country for Central Methodist University. “I decided on CMU, because it was close, and they have a really good program for what I want to go into,” said Karney. Karney was a three-time state qualifier for the Wildcats’ in the MSHSAA Cross Country Championships. Last season she fell just two spots shy of earning all-state honors, placing 27th with a time of 21:21. As a junior Karney finished 41st, while placing 89th her sophomore year. She also experienced success on the track team, competing in the one mile and two-mile runs. “Kaitlin has worked extremely hard to get where she’s at,” said Coach Sue Wright. “It wasn’t necessarily her talent. It was her hard work.” Wright recalls a time when Karney struggled to run the required amount necessary for a cross country competitor. But a breakthrough in the fall of 2011 catapulted her to another level. “As a sophomore she couldn’t run three miles,” said Wright. “She worked extremely hard and was fortunate by the end of that year to qualify for state, which is the biggest motivator.” Since beginning, Karney has shaved a remarkable seven minutes off her 3.1-mile time. She has become one of the school’s most improved competitors in any sport. Wright marvels at her progress. “If I look back at all the athletes I’ve coached, she is probably one of the most amazing in the change from first of her career to the end,” said Wright. “It’s absolutely amazing.” Karney, who plans to study criminal justice and forensics, says it was  a matter of believing in herself. “I’ve seen my times improve, and I’ve gained more confidence in myself,” said Karney. While many view running as labor-some and unappealing, it offers Karney a chance to escape the stress of life and school. It provides her ample time away from the textbooks to free her mind while gaining valuable exercise. “It’s like I’m in my own little place when I run,” said Karney. “It comforts me and all my stresses go away when I run.” Wright has high expectations for Karney at the next level, as she joins a long line of successful Wildcat runners pursuing a career at the collegiate level. “The characteristics she carries into running is going to get her very far,” said Wright.