Student Athlete of the Week- Kenzie Jones

BY HEIDI ZENEFSKI
Sports Correspondent

Elk Lake Senior and Cross Country Runner, Elk Lake’s Kenzie Jones is the Independent’s Student Athlete of the Week. The Cross Country runner is a Cross Country state medalist and helped lead the Lady Warriors’ team to second place in the state meet.

Jones has been running Cross Country for six years. “I became interested in Cross Country because my brother, Luke, ran. I always loved going to the meets to watch his races. He was very competitive and was very inspiring to me.”

Running several miles through the woods, sometimes through mud, and up and down hills does not appeal to everyone, but Jones loves it. “My teammates and coaches are a big reason why I enjoy it so much,” Jones said. “My teammates are without a doubt some of my closest friends. They are such an inspiration to me, always improving, working hard, and pushing others to do their best.”

The Elk Lake Cross Country team has been very successful over the years and this season was no different.
Jones, a senior, feels it was one of her best years. “The 2014 season has been one of my favorite seasons, I was really sad it had to come to an end. But I couldn’t have asked for a better turn out. Our team placed second at the state meet and I received my first individual state medal. I was ecstatic when my coach told us the news of second place.”

It wasn’t just the success at the finish line that made this year special for Jones. Two teammate made the season even more extraordinary for her.

“This year was a true blessing to have one my best friends, Jenny VanEtten, back on the team running, as well as my sister, Keri Jones.

Injuries sidelined both VanEtten and Keri Jones last season. “I am glad I got to be on the same team as my sister, even if it was only for one year,” the senior runner said.

In addition to cross country, Jones runs indoor and outdoor track and has been on the school basketball team.

She has been a member of the D.E.S. 4H Club for 10 years and shows dairy cows. She is also an active member of the Warren Center Baptist Youth Group.

After high school, she plans to attend college, but hasn’t decided which school she will attend. She resides in Friendsville and is the daughter of William and Abigail Jones.