Athlete Spotlight: James Wood cross country runner Sophia Logan

James Wood High School 17-year-old senior

Sport: Cross country

Parents: Michael and Elizabeth Logan

Hometown: Stephenson

What do you love about cross country?: The community that runners usually have. It’s a very positive community.

Most memorable moment in cross country: RVAs. (The relay race that takes place at Pole Green Park in Mechanicsville, where everyone runs 2,500 meters.) It’s the best [event], because it’s not as intimidating of a race as the other ones usually are, and it’s a night race, so that one’s the most memorable one. This year was my first year doing the relay, and that was a lot of fun.

Most embarrassing moment in cross country: When I threw up after the Albemarle Invitational. It was a very hot day. One of the freshmen Melanie [Padilla-Najarro] helped me [feel better]. She was very nice for that.

Most difficult moment in cross country: Attempting to [get a personal record], and then you don’t get one. It’s kind of frustrating to see that.

Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive: Jesus; I’m religious, and I have a lot of faith with that. My boyfriend Adam Medeiros and my best friend Jasper Woshner; just because they’re two of my favorite people in my life.

Biggest athletic influence: My coach (Matthew Lofton). Recently he had an injury that he got in New Zealand where he messed up his leg really bad, and he was on crutches for a long time. It’s been really amazing seeing him come back from that injury.

Favorite teacher: Ms. [Erin] Ammons, my creative writing teacher and the advisor of Afterwords, a magazine. I’ve had her the last two years. She’s just very kind. Usually you have a lot of teachers that don’t display that enough I feel like, especially nowadays because there’s a lot of kids that don’t appreciate teachers. Ms. Ammons is one of the nicest teachers I’ve ever had.

Favorite sports team: Philadelphia Phillies

Favorite movie: “Coraline”

Favorite TV show: “Maniac”

Favorite song: “I Beg Your Pardon (I Never Promised You a Rose Garden)” by Kon Kan

Favorite food: Lasagna. I like the lasagna my dad makes. It has béchamel sauce in it, and I prefer béchamel over ricotta.

Worst thing you’ve eaten: We’re a military family, and I was in Italy for a bit. I had something that looked like a waffle, but it was really bitter. It was made out of vegetables. I was 6 years old when I had that.

Plans after high school: I plan to go to Laurel Ridge for two years, then transfer to a four-year university. As of this moment, I want to study psychology. I just want to be able to help people that are struggling mentally.

— Compiled by Robert Niedzwiecki