Kyle Carney has had an incredible cross country season. He's only a junior, but is the top runner and team captain for Dakota Ridge High School's Cross Country Team in Littleton. The 16-year- old set a new school record mid-season by running a blazing 16:06. He also outpaced the pack several times during the season to capture the win.

Carney didn't start his high school career as a runner. He played soccer, not cross country, during his freshmen fall season at Dakota Ridge. He fell in love with running during track season that spring. Since then, he's devoted more time to running and his times have improved. Carney has personal bests of 16:06 for 5K, 9:51 for two miles, 4:33 for the mile and 2:01 for 800 meters.

Carney says that building a high base mileage for endurance and being familiar with the cross country courses have helped him this year. "My racing style has been different this year. I've been able to take it out harder and throw in more surges." Carney's coach says the junior has a bright future ahead of him and is a big asset to the team. "He's a great kid to have around. He always has a positive attitude."

Carney has his sights set on lowering his mile time this year during track season. Next year, he'd like to break the 16 minute barrier for the 5K and place in the top five during the state cross country championships.