Jeannette Zimmer Cheney Year: Sophomore Sport: Cross Country

Last week this space detailed the exploits of West Valley’s Jessica Riehle after she broke her course record at Plantes Ferry Park.

Riehle’s record of 19 minutes, 3 seconds lasted all of one week, thanks to defending State AA champion Jeannette Zimmer.

Although Riehle came within two seconds of her record during last Thursday’s Frontier League-ending meet, Zimmer found no barrier to 19 minutes. The Blackhawks sophomore ran 18:54 for the 3 miles.

“I figured the smartest way to do it was to run with (Riehle) and not from her,” Zimmer said.

“One thing about Jeannette’s development is that she’s … becoming a much wiser racer,” said Cheney coach Jay Martin. “Early in her career, her way was to put the throttle down and go as hard as she can.”

Zimmer and Riehle meet again at Saturday’s District 7-AA meet. Riehle defended her district title last year but finished third at state.

“It’s a whole different year,” Zimmer said of district. “I don’t really try to compare it.”

Zimmer said she made a mistake at Hangman Valley Golf Course last year by sticking too much with the pack.

“She’s faster at this point of the season than she was last year,” Martin said. “We’re hoping it will be fast enough.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo