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Name: Lanee Berkhimer
School: Central
Age: 18
Grade: Senior
Sport: Cross Country
Athlete of the week achievement: Berkhimer broke the Hollidaysburg course record by 50 seconds in running 18:25 in a meet with Hollidaysburg and Altoona. She then broke the Altoona course record by more than 20 seconds in winning the Altoona Invitational in 18:09.33.
Season update: The Laurel Highlands meet is Oct. 15 with districts on Oct. 25 and states on Nov. 1.
Coach Joe Bilka's quote: "I have coached for over 25 years and must say that Lanee Berkhimer is one of the finest athletes I have had the privilege to coach. Lanee's focus on running and her work ethic to achieve her goals is exemplary. She is always ready to put in the effort needed to succeed. Lanee is a very coachable athlete, and I am proud of what she has accomplished. Winning the Altoona Invitational on Saturday and breaking the course record was a testament to who she is and what running means to her.''
Favorite teachers: Mr. Horton and Mrs. Johnston
Favorite subject: Science
Favorite thing to watch: Olympics and national championships
Favorite food: Peanut butter
Favorite song: Any song by Josiah Queen
Outside interests: Running, lifting, biking, swimming, spending time with family, church
Favorite professional team: Pittsburgh Penguins
Favorite college team: Penn State
Pro athlete most admired: Sydney McLaughlin Levrone
Best athlete I ever competed against: Lewisburg's Baylee Espinosa
Most influential person on my athletic career: My family
Proudest athletic achievement: Breaking course records and being a multiple state and national medalist
How I got my start in cross country: "I competed in a local 5K and realized I loved running.''
Future goal: "Stay healthy, get faster, give my all with no regrets, all in hopes to continue to run in college. Continue following God and showing that his plan is best.''