By Derrick Smith

When an athlete tries their hand at a new sport, the transition may not be easy. Each sport requires a different set of skills, depending on what positions the athlete plays. And for Mollie Reno, her start with track was a little bit rocky. 

“I tried distance running in middle school track,” she said. “I cried the first time I raced a mile. But I stayed with it and then decided to join my brother on the cross country team my freshman year.”

Reno is a member of the Cheney High School track and cross country teams. She says one of the things she enjoys most about being a Cheney athlete is the history that the title carries.

“I love the relationships I have built with my teammates,” she said. “I also love the tradition and pride of wearing the Cheney stripes. The community support does not go unnoticed.”

Her brother and fellow teammate, Sam, is the person that Mollie looks up to. 

“He has taught me to work hard through both the good and the bad. He has also showed me that there is always more to give.”

Staying motivated, both in athletics and in life, is not something that Reno has a problem with. She knows that she will reap the benefit if she stays on track. 

“I am motivated by knowing that if I put in the hard work, I will be rewarded.”

There have been a lot of great memories that she has made over the year, but Mollie says that there are a few that stick out. 

“Winning the Cheney Cross Country Meet as a senior was a very special moment,” she said. “It has been my favorite course for all of my high school career. But I do not know if I can top all the friendships I have built through running.”

After high school, Mollie plans to attend Kansas State University and major in Ag Business