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Paige Stoltz
Sometimes the biggest accomplishment in cross country is measured by how many runners you beat. Other times, it is measured by how much faster you have become.
For Paige Stoltz, her performance at the Dutchmen Invitational offered plenty of both.
The Annville-Cleona junior raced to a 20th-place finish at Union Canal Tunnel Park, completing the 5K course in 20:39.0. More impressive was what that time represented: Stoltz lowered her previous personal record by an incredible 1 minute, 53 seconds.
That breakthrough performance earned Stoltz LebCo Athlete of the Week honors.
It also contributed to a strong day for Annville-Cleona against a deep 27-team field. Junior Lucy Stellmach led the Dutchmen by placing 7th in 19:46.8, with Stoltz following as A-C’s second finisher. Bridget Funck, Emily Shearer, and Anna Rotunda rounded out the scoring five as the Dutchmen finished 6th overall with 195 points.
For first-year Annville-Cleona head coach Bekah Sanders, Stoltz’s improvement was not something that happened by accident.
“Paige is a hard worker,” Sanders said. “She put in the miles this summer, and she is seeing the fruit of that in her early-season times.”
Sanders believes there is still more to come.
“I am excited to see her hard work pay off, and I know that she will continue to get faster as the season progresses,” Sanders said.
Stoltz’s development has involved learning to trust herself as much as putting in the physical work. She said one of her biggest challenges in the past was learning how to push herself without giving up when things became difficult.
“I struggled with confidence, but later learned to stay consistent and trust the process,” Stoltz said.
That process is certainly beginning to produce results.
Stoltz’s goals for this season, however, are not centered entirely around times or finishing places. She wants to maintain a positive mindset while helping create the same type of environment for her teammates. She sees encouraging others and bringing positive energy as an important part of her role with the Dutchmen.
“I always try to be someone they can trust and count on,” Stoltz said. “I try my best to always lead by example and make every moment count!”
Sanders has played an important role in helping Stoltz develop that confidence.
“I would like to thank Coach Sanders for always believing in me and allowing me to see that I have more to give,” Stoltz said. “Your encouragement has helped push me and become a better athlete.”
Cross country is only part of Stoltz’s busy schedule at Annville-Cleona. She also participates in wrestling, marching band, and Track & Field.
Last spring, Stoltz was part of the Dutchmen’s 4x800m Relay alongside Leah Tshudy, Stellmach, and Mackenzie Stellmach. The group placed 2nd at the District 3 Class AA Championship in 10:01.30 to qualify for the PIAA State Championship. Stoltz also competed individually in the 1600m at Districts, finishing 10th in 5:49.02.
Running also has a family connection for Stoltz. Her father is an accomplished runner who has completed numerous marathons, something that gives her another connection to the sport.
Stoltz hopes athletics remain part of her life well beyond high school. She plans to attend college with the goal of eventually becoming a sports psychologist.
When she is not training or competing, Stoltz enjoys shopping, spending time with friends, playing the clarinet, painting, and reading. She listens to a variety of music, with pop being her favorite genre and Olivia Rodrigo her favorite artist.
Even with the satisfaction that comes from seeing nearly 2 minutes disappear from her previous best, Stoltz’s favorite part of competing is not found on a stopwatch.
“I enjoy being with my team the most, making memories and having fun,” Stoltz said. “I also love being able to challenge myself and see how far I have come.”
At the Dutchmen Invitational, Stoltz received a pretty good indication of just how far she has come.
A 1:53 personal record. A top-20 finish. Confidence. And, with plenty of the season still ahead, an opportunity to keep getting faster.
Congratulations to Paige Stoltz on earning LebCo Athlete of the Week honors, and best of luck to her and the Dutchmen throughout the remainder of the season.
Photo by Zara Kohr
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