ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Robert VanKirk

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Terry McCaulley

Robert VanKirk is having quite a year on the cross country trails.

The boys cross country team is now 6-3 since they competing Tuesday against Cambria Heights and Northern Cambria. Junior Robert VanKirk placed won against both teams with a time of 19:41.

Last week against Southern Fulton, VanKirk placed fourth for the boy’s team and he set a new personal record  with a time of 18:53. Earlier this season, he placed 10th at the Big Valley Invitational.

For his efforts VanKirk has been named the Athlete of the Week.

Robert is also involved in track, chorus, musicals, FCA, and Spanish Club.

Robert has always enjoyed running and is always looking to improve.

“Id like to bring my 5k time into the 17’s,” he said. “I always enjoyed running long distance. Running the mile in gym class has always been one of my favorite things to do.”

Robert also likes to make sure he stays on top of things.

“I always work hard at practices and sometime I’ll run during the off-season,” he said.

When asked what his favorite thing about cross country he replied with “Miss R’s Gatorade”