DELTA, Ohio — Like all athletes, competition provides an opportunity to represent yourself and the team. For Delta High School junior Josilyn Welch, it's not just what she runs for, but with.
"If you want to do anything, there's always a way," cross country coach Mary Tresnan-Reighard said. "Josilyn has shown that."
For the third consecutive season, Welch is preparing for a run at states.
"It's always exciting when you qualify for a big meet," Welch said. "The competition has gotten harder each year so I'm proud of myself for making it each year."
On the surface, the Delta junior operates like any other competitor. Yet there's one part of her process that sets her apart.
"I'm so used to it by now that it actually feels weird if I don't hold it," Welch said.
An asthma inhaler in her hand joins the Panther speedster every time she takes off. Rather than use it as an excuse, Welch simply continues to push forward.
"First of all, it takes a lot of communication with her parents and them taking her to the doctors," Tresnan-Reighard said. "Then at practices, we have to be aware of it. Certain weather types we know will set her asthma off or trigger."
A hurdle not many endurance runners have to face, but one she's had no problems with throughout her young career.
"When she runs, she goes all out," Tresnan-Reighard said. "You can tell she's a determined young lady."
Welch picked up the sport of cross country beginning as a freshman after her talent proved impressive the year before.
"I had the fastest time in gym class, so I decided to try track my 8th grade year. I had a pretty good track season, so I decided to give cross country a try," Welch said. "I ended up focusing on cross and track. I love it too much to just quit."
Since making that decision, Welch has never missed the OHSAA State Championships. In 2023 alone, she captured the NWOAL title before once again breaking her own school record in Tiffin on Oct. 28 in the regional tournament with a time of 18:47.1 seconds.
"My goal is to get on the podium this year for sure, maybe even top ten which would be awesome," Welch said. "Hoping to go sub 18:30."
A great finish in Columbus on Saturday stands as the objective. Her presence alone in the race is already worthy of celebration.
"I never really expected it, so I'm just thankful for every meet and every PR I get," Welch said. "Just the ability to go out and run is something I've realized I need to be more thankful for."
She is WTOL 11's Athlete of the Week sponsored by Dave's Running!
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