Payton's Hershfang runs to city title

Updated: March 22, 2011 5:20PM

Jamie Hershfang's route to the Public League title was a bit unconventional.

It's just the third season of cross-country for Hershfang, who was on

Payton's swimming team as a freshman before switching sports.

"I just kind of did running as offseason conditioning," she said. "I started

sophomore year and I loved it. It clears my mind. To go out and run is the

greatest feeling."

Especially on Saturday, when Hershfang covered a flat, three-mile course at

Washington Park in 18 minutes, 28.66 seconds to win the city title.

Runner-up Mather's Aden Alemu was second in 18:31.64.

"I saw that she kind of backed off after the second mile, so I just tried to

go for it," Hershfang said.

She laid the foundation for her breakout season earlier this year.

"This summer has been my best season for training," said Hershfang, who put

in around 700 miles.

Little wonder she's enjoyed the mild temperatures so far this fall.

"I love warmer weather," Hershfang said. "I know it's going to get a little

cooler, but I'll make the best of it."

Sophomore Carina Coss (19:34.95) and senior Brenda Nava (19:38.56) finished

sixth and seventh to help Lane beat three-time defending champ Young 56-64

for the girls title.

Rounding out the top five were Von Steuben senior Elin Erickson (19:15.98),

Young senior Maisie Vachuska (9:24.34) and Payton freshman Molly Lawrence

19:33.75).

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