Warrenton sophomore Alexis Ruff has proven to be an asset to the cross country team and wrestling team. As a freshman, Ruff received Gateway Athletic Conference north all-conference honors for cross country. From there, Ruff qualified for the Class 4 state meet, where she placed 113th. With more experience and a successful start to her sophomore season, Ruff is hoping to make it back to the state meet. While the underclassmen excels at both sports, Ruff is hoping to wrestle in college. In her freshman year campaign, Ruff just was one win shy from advancing to the state championship and strung together a 36-11 record. 

Favorite athlete: Chance Marsteller

Favorite school subject: Science 

Dogs or cats: Dogs 

Would you rather run a marathon or a half-marathon: Half-marathon 

Favorite food: Ice cream 

High school activities: Cross country and wrestling 

When did you start running? 

“I’ve been running since elementary school, but I started seriously running in seventh grade and that is when I started cross country.”

Why did you start to take it more seriously?

“Collins came up to me at one of my middle school cross country meets and told me if I keep it up, I could make it to state. Ever since he said that, I was like, oh, maybe I can actually do this, so I’ll try.”

Do you feel like you have a good chance of qualifying for state again this year?

“Yeah, I think I have a good chance. I have been dealing with some shin splints and stuff that has been bothering me, but I think no matter what, I’m going to push through.” 

Is there anything you learned from your first state meet that you might want to do differently if you qualify again?

“Maybe stay to the outside and not stress out and just enjoy it.”

Do you have any pre-race rituals?

“I like to write a Bible verse on my leg and I also like to pray with the team.”

How do you push yourself when you’re in the middle of a race?

“I just remind myself that the faster I run, the faster it’s going to be over with and that I have a goal and I want to reach that goal.” 

What goal do you want to reach at the end of the cross country season?

“I want to break 22 and PR, if possible. I’ve been out a lot, because I’ve been hurt, but I still think that I can push to get the time that I want.”

What time do you want?

“21:30.” 

How do you cut down on your times?

“I ask Collins the miles I would have to run for to reach my goal and I try to practice that.” 

Do you plan on running in college?

“I plan on wrestling in college.” 

Do you have a favorite sport between cross country and wrestling?

“I love them both, but I think I like wrestling a bit more.”

When did you get involved with wrestling and why?

“I started my eighth grade year. I watched my brother do it and it just seemed like something I could be good at, and I grew from there.”