Bailey Farrer has dedicated herself to running. And all the hard work is paying off.

The Pioneer junior cross country runner dropped a full minute off her time this season and advanced to the semistate for the first time as an individual. She competed at the semistate despite having the flu and having to run in cold, wet conditions.

Farrer credits a lot of her success to a week-long Paavo Running Camp she attended this summer in Bristol, Mich., with teammate Angie Moss.

“At the camp we ran an average of 10 miles a day and ran three times a day,” she said. “We lived in tents. There was no electricity, no air conditioning in the summer. It was a life-changing experience. There were a lot of inspirational speakers and runners there. They get you on the ball and push you to succeed and do your best. I recommend it for anybody who’s serious about improving as a runner.”

Another motivating factor for Farrer is Pioneer cross country coach John McLeland.

“He was thinking about retiring and I wanted to prove to him that he should stay around for my senior year because he deserves a good runner,” Farrer said. “I look up to him quite a bit.”

This IHSAA tournament season, Farrer placed 11th at the Logansport Sectional in 21:09 to advance, 13th at the Culver Academies Regional in 21:08 to advance and 92nd at the New Prairie Semistate in 21:52 in the difficult conditions.

Farrer already has big goals for her senior season.

“I’d definitely like to break the school record next year set by Cady Caudle. I’d really like to make it to the state finals,” she said. “If I continue to run everyday at least a mile, and run everyday for a year, hopefully I’ll get better and make it to state.”

The following is a question-and-answer session with Farrer.

Q. Do you have any family members who played sports?

A. My dad [Tom] did cross country, basketball and track at Pioneer. My mom [Lisa] twirled baton at Purdue. Both my older brothers, Payton and Taylor, were three-sport athletes at Pioneer. They participated in football, basketball and track. Payton played [in] the North All-Star football [game] and at Butler University.

Q. Have you ever played a sport that you were not successful at?

A. I played in the Pixie League for softball. I wasn’t very good, but I could lead chants off the bench. My team sure had a ton of fun!

Q. What kind of person would your teammates say you are?

A. My teammates would call me competitive, hard working and a goal-oriented person. It doesn’t matter who the superstars are, we just work together as a team and try to achieve success. Then after practice let’s have fun and eat!

Q. Who do you try to

emulate in your life?

A. My biggest influences would be my parents. They have given me a spiritual background and a good family. My parents support me in the good times and the bad. They encourage me to succeed my limit and dream big not only in sports, but academics, with my livestock, and in life.

Q. What experiences have you had in sports have made you the athlete you are today?

A. With a new coach and a new team attitude, our basketball team had the fourth most improved season record in the state last year. It shows good work ethic can pay off.

Q. What is something that not everyone knows about you?

A. I have played the piano for 11 years, show calves and pigs across the United States, and enjoy baking and sewing. I would like to judge livestock like my dad and two brothers. I am also president of United Way Youth Council.

Q. What is your favorite memory of playing sports at your school?

A. I have countless memories. They would include cross country trips to the Dunes, cross country weekend adventures and basketball girls night out. A favorite this year was our surprise T-shirts for cross country. Just ask Coach Mac.

Q. What’s your favorite music, movie, TV show, etc.?

A. Music: country. Musical artist: Rascal Flatts or Keith Urban. Song: Cowboy Casanova by Carrie Underwood. Movie: Sweet Home Alabama. TV show: Dancing with the Stars. Book: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series.

Q. What are your future plans after high school?

A. I have plans to attend Purdue University and become a pharmaceutical sales rep. I would enjoy traveling the world. Running in college is always an option, if my ability would allow it.

• Next week an outstanding athlete from Winamac will be featured.