Sophomore Cecilia “CC” Ressler may only be in the early stages of her high school running career, but she has already emerged as the Foxes’ top female cross country racer and as one of the elite runners in WPIAL Class 3A. Her performances at the Gateway; Red, White & Blue; and Kiski invitationals have solidified her status as a rising star. However, it was the Red, White & Blue race that marked her as a top contender due to the level of competition and its size.
CC opened the season with a second-place finish at the Gateway Invitational, helping the girls team win the event. For CC, being there brought back memories.
“I remember running at Gateway as a seventh-grader and loving the whole experience,” CC says. “Going back as a high schooler and seeing the middle school kids, it brings back all those good memories. That race is what got me into running.”
The following weekend at the prestigious Red, White & Blue Invitational, CC clocked in at 19:07. Out of a field of almost 250 female runners, she placed eighth overall and seventh among WPIAL runners.
Recalling her strong finish, CC says, “I was really happy. I didn’t think I was running that fast. I just remember passing three runners twice and feeling so relieved when the race was over. It was a new experience for me because I had never been that far up front before in a big race.”
Coach Tom Moul recalls CC’s determination at the Red, White & Blue race. He notes that CC was in 11th place with 800 meters to go when she surged past some elite runners to cross the finish line. “The first thing she said to me was, ‘I beat three runners!’ ”
At the Kiski Invitational, CC posted a time of 19:37.40, finishing fourth, a marked improvement over her time last year of 20:40 at the same event. The course is not one of CC’s favorites, but she appreciates the challenge it provides.
Her next major test will come September 21 at the PIAA Foundation meet, where racers from across Pennsylvania compete on the same course as the PIAA championships.
Putting in the Time and Work
CC admits that before this season, she primarily ran for fun and to spend time with her friends. However, after a promising freshman year, her mindset shifted. It was also when she began to address some of the challenges that had held her back in the past. Since summer workouts at North Park, CC has taken the sport a lot more seriously – and the results speak for themselves.
“I used to be too concerned with where the other racers were, but I’ve realized that these are my own races. Now, I’m doing what’s best for me and my body,” she says.
Coach Moul is impressed with CC’s self-awareness at such a young age, especially her understanding of when to push her body and when to ease up. This awareness has come not just from running, but from a training program at the school that includes workouts using light weights and bands for both upper and lower body strength.
CC says she can see the results. One of them is her ability to finish races strong.
“My kick is pretty good now. I’ve worked hard on it,” she states.
Looking ahead, coach Moul is optimistic about CC’s future. “She works incredibly hard in practice and really buys into the program. She’s a tough, aggressive, and powerful runner. She’s the real deal.”
For CC, she’s going into races a lot more confident now. Her goals are lofty if she continues to move forward as she has.
CC says, “I want to run an 18:45 by the end of the year and get to states. That’s my goal.”
Coach Moul is equally pleased with the girls team as a whole. He says, “They have made some pretty big strides as compared to last year. Sarah Michalak is an experienced senior who has continued to improve from her excellent outdoor track season. Maggie Carter (a sophomore) has also made big gains from last year and has emerged as a leader too.”
Two freshmen, Annika Kubiska and Ella Shevchuk, have been in the top five runners for the squad and have provided a big boost for the team.
“They’ve been huge for us so far,” states coach Moul. “Ella came from the Dorseyville Middle School program and Annika just showed up at a summer practice one day. She had never raced before. Both are hard workers.”
Rounding out the top seven for the Foxes are sophomore Iris Minturn and junior Marin Airik, with junior Zelia Herald and sophomore Sadie Stephenson pushing everyone as well.
Along with her teammates, CC is looking forward to the ultimate goal – the PIAA championships.
“I’m really excited about getting to states, and I think my teammates and I can all do that,” CC says.