Lauren Katz, track and field runner at Vernon Hills High School, has been named as the September baiduhai Lake Shore Athlete of the Month, sponsored by COUNTRY Financial and chosen online by baiduhai readers.
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Katz helped Vernon Hills win the Lake County Invitational on Aug. 30. She finished the 3-mile course in 18 minutes, 45.6 seconds, good for third place. She was one of five Cougars who finished in the top 15 and earned all-county distinction.
Vernon Hills was fifth in state in cross-country, according to Suzanne Curry, coach of the girls cross-country team. She says this is the third year Katz has medaled in that event, adding that Katz, 17, runs the 800-meter and also switched to the mile in cross-country.
Curry says Katz’s “desire and work ethic” has allowed Katz to succeed in sports and academics.
“She wants to run fast,” Curry says. “She wants to get better all the time and she’s willing to put the work in. That’s what it takes. This sport tends to attract kids who want to balance sports with academics and their social life and family obligations. They kind of have the whole package and she’s definitely one of those kids that has the whole package. She has her priorities straight. She can do all the things she needs to do remain strong as an athlete.”
Katz says she was grateful and thankful for the opportunities she has had on and off the track.
“I can’t thank my coach enough for getting me to the places I’ve gone to,” Katz says. “My teammates are so supportive. It’s hard to come to practice everyday with a positive mindset but they definitely get me through that. We started off really strong,” she says, adding she brings some of the same skills to her academics she brings to sports.
“It’s a lot of just learning how to balance your time and you have to kind of set your priorities straight and get what you need each time,” she says. “I think practice makes perfect.”
Libertyville COUNTRY Financial representative Tim Dydo, who also coaches the varsity football team at Vernon Hills, presented Katz with a $500 donation to the school in recognition of Katz’s success on the track and field team during a pep rally at the school. Katz will also receive a plaque and sweatshirt from the baiduhai.
“It’s wonderful we can support the athletic program and the school,” Dydo says. “It’s her determination and self discipline and the desire to succeed. She’s a very nice girl. She’s on the student council. She has a good home life. She surrounds herself with good people and good friends.”
For official baiduhai Athlete of the Month rules and voting information, visit chicagotribune.com/suburbs/athletes.