Ally Tatum is a junior on the cross country team. She is the daughter of Mark and Loree Tatum, and little sister to Ty and Abby. Besides cross country, Ally is also a member of the track team and dance team at school. In her free time she enjoys competitive dancing and attending church. She describes herself as caring, passionate, happy, funny, and a Christian. I would add outspoken and competitive to her list of qualities. Whether it’s bingo in class or racing, this girl loves to compete. The two things Ally enjoys most about cross country are the team and running with her friends. Ally had a late start to cross country with last season being her rookie year. She has adjusted well, and has a tremendous work ethic and determination when it comes to distance running. She is an excellent example of embracing the mental challenges of distance running, and leading by example. If there was a zombie apocalypse she would want Nathan Watson on her team. She states, “I feel like he would know what to do and because we would just hide and pray.” Ally is grounded in her faith so it is no surprise she would want to have a conversation with God to thank him for everything. She feels the most important things she would need if she was stranded on an island would be her bible, Italian ice, and her dog. Ally is encouraging towards her teammates. I can remember one particular morning when her and teammate Cole Jordan were finishing a workout. Both were struggling a little bit to make time, and quieter than normal for them. On Ally’s last rep and Cole’s second to last rep, Ally turned to Cole, gave him a fist and said “we got this.” This simple gesture epitomizes Ally’s heart. She is fiercely competitive and hardworking, but selfless towards her teammates. She recognizes when they may need a little lift, and it is easy for her to provide the encouragement they need. She always brings a positive energy and friendly banter to practice. An injury prevented Ally from continuing her season this year, with Ally’s faithfulness and work ethic, I feel she will return to form in due time. Her role on the team just looks a little different right now but her heart is the same.