As a kid running just comes naturally. But when does that fun turn into a passion? Well, for Stilwell senior Emily Cruz it didn’t really happen until she got into high school.

“Growing up I played soccer and basketball for the most part, but I really didn’t like running though I had gotten used to it playing soccer, so I decided to try out for track my freshman year. I was the only freshman to make the team so that was a little intimidating,but my teammates were so supportive, and they helped me believe that I could really achieve something in track,” said Emily.

Cruz is a two-time regional champ and has gone to the state track championships for the past three years, competing in eight events, placing in the mile and two-mile events and running the past two years in the 800 meters.

“She’s a great teammate and does whatever you ask of her,” said track coach Nick Davis. “Distance running is really her thing, but she did run the 800 meters last two years as well as helping out in some of our relay events and if she’s not competing, she’s running around cheering on her teammates at meets.”

And even though she’s had success in track, her real passion lies in running cross country.

“Cross country is really my thing. I just love the longer distances,” said Cruz, who finished runner-up at state her sophomore year and seventh this past fall as well as being a three-time regional champ. She says she only has to look as far as her family to find motivators for her sport.

“My brother, Jorge Bautista really pushes me, and my dad also works with me to help me be better,” said Cruz who is also in National Honor Society, Spanish Club and has been in Key Club. Returning to the state track meet for her senior year is certainly one of her goals for this spring.

“I’d like to get my time down into the low 11-minute range for the two-mile and five minutes for the mile this year,” said Cruz who will attend Rogers State to continue her running career next fall.