Lianna Surtz: A Rising Star In The Making


They are usually shy and reserved in the beginning. Most great distance runners start out that way... and many end that way. Lianna Surtz is no exception. Two summers ago prior to entering the 8th grade, Surtz ran the 1500m in 4:49.21. The time would have been good enough to challenge for an AAU age group national title. In the longer stuff, Surtz has been just as proficient running several marks among the state's elite in the early going. Officially a freshman for Aurora Rosary High School, Surtz has won her two races. The most recent one was the Aurora City Championship in which she won by over a minute. The time 18:01 (5:42/6:15/5:57) might have been more of a high aerobic workout if you consider that she has already logged 17:15- the third fastest time in the state to date. The rest of the state will see plenty of Surtz this season as the team schedule has 13 dates prior to the state series. One of those meets will be the Peoria Notre Dame Invitational. In that one will be former freshman prodigy Katelynne Hart of Glenbard West. Make sure you circle your calendar for that matchup.