Sophomore Haylee Shakal, a student at Stanley-Boyd High School, has been voted the Courtesy Auto and Truck Stanley-Boyd Athlete of the Week after an impressive performance at the Colby Invite on September 6. Haylee finished fourth against some of the Cloverbelt Conference’s top runners, narrowly edging out Regis’ Kaylen Borst by just half a second. She also achieved a personal best in the 5K, crossing the finish line in 22:36, highlighting her hard work, perseverance, and competitive spirit.
“I started cross country in 2022, so my 7th grade year,” Shakal shared. Despite being a relatively new runner, she has quickly become a standout on the course.
Her love for the sport extends beyond racing. “My favorite part of cross country is cheering for people running at the end of their race,” she said. That enthusiasm has made her a supportive teammate and a positive presence at meets. She also treasures the bonds she’s built with her fellow runners. “One of my favorite memories from cross country is the bus rides back from far away meets,” she shared.
Off the course, Shakal’s favorite subject in school is History, and she’s looking forward to seeing the whole team improve this fall. “I’m most looking forward to seeing everybody’s new PR’s throughout the season,” she said.
With her drive, team spirit, and steady improvement, Haylee Shakal is making her mark as one of Stanley-Boyd’s standout athletes. Her latest performance has cemented her status as a driving force for her team and a rising star in Stanley-Boyd athletics.
