Girls Cross Country Player of the Year: Seneca East's Brittany Stockmaster

Before she steps a foot on the course or laces up her spikes, Brittany Stockmaster is a known elite around the state.

Expectations were high for the sophomore from Seneca East, and she did not disappoint.

After finishing fourth in 18:50 at the Division III state cross country meet in 2007, she finished as the state runner-up with a 18:35 in 2008.

With her prestige, it comes as no surprise for her to earn the Fandy.com Magazine Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year.

"She trained hard the past two seasons and she's reaping the awards from it," coach Jeff Phillips said.

Her performance not only seized the attention of Division 1 college coaches, but also catapulted her team into contention for a state title.

In the end, the Tigers finished a close second behind Minster 65-69 to end their impressive run.

"I am very happy with how the season went," Stockmaster said.

Her season also puts her one step closer to being known as the most prolific runner to ever attend Seneca East High. After running a personal best of 18:09 to earn an individual district title at Galion, she confirmed that Brianna Schook's school record time of 18:01 is not unbreakable.

"Brianna was a two-time state champion (1997 and '98), and I think Brittany is ahead of where she was as a sophomore," Phillips said. "I'm very confident that she can break the record."

Her only losses came to seniors at the Tiffin Carnival and at the state meet, so following two seasons look really bright for the Seneca East star.

"The only two girls that beat her were the individual state champions in D2 and D3," Phillips said.

The phenomenal times on the course speak for themselves but Phillips also raved about her character.

"She's about everyone else on the team and that says a lot about her," he said. "She is so supportive to the other runners."

Her character and her excellent achievements on the course are an indication of what defines a true champion.