Lexy Bader
Ravenscroft cross country — sophomore

Ravescroft sophomore runner Lexy Bader is a competitor. As a middleschooler, she pushed herself to finish the mile under six minutes because a few classmates could. This summer, she trained extensively, attempting to better position herself to beat the 19:40 she recorded at states. And with the addition of freshman phenom Welsey Frazier to the Ravenscroft program, Bader is pushing herself again to be her best.
With enough support of her teammates, Bader, Frazier and the fast-moving Lady Ravens could — and should —be state contenders.

The energtic Bader recently spoke with NorthRaleighSports.com about Ravenscroft's upcoming season.

What should I know about Ravenscroft's girls cross country team?
There is one freshman, Welsey Frazier, and she is just amazing. At the beginning of the summer, during a road race in 92 degrees, she finished in like 18:05. She is about as fast as the state champion was last year.

What about the rest of the team?
There are few new girls here who are in good shape, but haven't run cross country before. A few tennis and soccer players. And I think they should get a lot better as the season goes on.

Does having a strong runner like Frazier help you train?
It pushes me a lot. I don't like being beaten, so it motives me.

With Durham Academy and Cary Academy — perennial state contenders — in your conference, the league is obviously pretty tough.
The conference is very difficult. Durham Academy lost their strongest runner, but they still have a strong team coming back. It's not what they had, so they are within reach. Cary Academy has a solid pack of runners, so they should be strong in conference, but maybe not in states. And St. Mary's some quality runners, too.

Are you guys a contender for the league title?
A contender, but not guarantee.

What is your personal goal for this season?
I ran a 19:40 at the state meet last year — it was a miracle race for me. Otherwise I was in the 20s last year. But I ran over the summer with a guy who ran a 4:15 mile back in college, and he pushed me. And I'm hoping to break the low 19s.

Entering your sophomore year, do you feel more prepared than last year?
I think I was pretty out of shape last year, so definitely.

Have you always been a runner?
I guess I started like five or six years ago. I started running a mile a day. Then in seventh grade I tried cross country.

What should the team's goals be this season?
We definitely have the chance to break the top 10 [in the state], if not better.
How was last year?
We did OK last year, finishing 12th of 18, I think. But the team and coach Payne sort of think of last year is like a transition year, and this year it will be more intense.

The Ravens kick off their schedule Thursday, Aug. 20, hosting Cardinal Gibbons and Wake Christian at 5 p.m.