Glenbard West cross country runner Lindsey Payne is the Athlete of the Week sponsored by Jenny LaPointe

Lindsey Payne

Glenbard West

Cross country

Junior

What she did: Payne earned her third top-five finish in as many years at the state cross country race as she placed second (16:34), just behind teammate Katelynne Hart (16:31).

Illinois is one of the most competitive cross country hotbeds in the nation, and Lindsey Payne is one of the top runners in the state. After placing fourth in the state as a freshman (17:00) and second as a sophomore in 2015 (16:16), she continued her personal trend of all-state finishes as she once again placed second in the state with freshman teammate Katelynne Hart winning the state title. Payne, the Suburban Life Athlete of the Week sponsored by Jenny LaPointe, spoke with sports editor Jason Rossi about the state race and running alongside the state champ all season. Here’s an edited transcript:

Rossi: What was it like running with Katelynne all season?

Payne: I am so thankful having her at my side. Running next to her we were able to achieve a 1-2 finish and it was an amazing experience.

Rossi: With your experience, did you do anything to help Katelynne along this season?

Payne: I think even starting in the summer I tried to be there to help her assimilate into the team. I think we both had each other’s back all season and it was exciting being able to run with each other all season.

Rossi: What are your thoughts on the state race and the season in general?

Payne: It wasn’t my best season, but at state I went out and left it all out on the course. Even though I wasn’t 100 percent there I was still able to run my race.

Rossi: You have one more cross country season left. What are your goals next year?

Payne: Hopefully with Katelynne we keep pushing each other to another 1-2 finish, whether she’s first or I’m first. We’re running at the Nike Cross Nationals [Midwest race on Nov. 13] and we both hope to place there.