By Hayden Swope

Denae McElrath, a track runner at Wichita East, was chosen as the Shelter Insurance Athlete of the month. As a senior, McElrath has taken first in every 100-meter and 200-meter event she’s participated in while also setting school records. 

“This year I opened my season up with a personal record of 12.34,” McElrath said. “For most of the season I danced around low 12’s. However last week I hit another personal record of 11.73.”

McElrath spent the season occupied with cutting down times in hopes of qualifying for state and improving herself as a leader for her team.

“A goal that I focused on this season was improving my speed along with being a better leader for the underclassmen,” McElrath said. “A goal for my postseason finish is to go to state. I wanted to improve on my leadership as a senior, and as the year went on many of these goals I have succeeded in, and I hope that it will translate when I get to college.” 

Although her senior season came to an end, McElrath said she will always remember the relationships made throughout the season with her teammates. 

“The most memorable moment from the season was traveling and being on the road building better relationships with all of my teammates,” McElrath said. 

McElrath plans to attend college after high school and become a physical therapist.