Local fifth grade student Camryn Edge started his running career when he was in kindergarten. As a member of the Meadow Lands Elementary School Running Club for the East Daviess County Elementary races, he often finished near the front of the pack. His parents say this is where his love for racing began.
“He has more determination than anyone we know,” said his dad Seth Edge.
He joined the DCMS cross country team last year after competing in a few local 5K races and showing great improvement each time he crossed the finish line. According to his parents, he wanted to continue to train and grow by setting goals for himself and working hard to make his goals.
This year, Camryn won first place in the local Owensboro Parent Triathlon, had three first-place wins during his cross country season, and placed top ten in the 8th grade and under City County meet. This accomplishment earned Edge first Team All City/County honors.
He rounded out his regular season placing fifth in the Kentucky Track and Cross Country Coaches Association State Meet competition, earning him a spot on the KTCCCA All State Team. Camryn was also awarded the Fast Cat trophy at DCMS for his successes during the season.
Camryn took success to a new level during national competition over the weekend. As a member of the Derby City Athletic Club, Edge got the chance to race in Shelbyville, Ind., for the Cross Country Coaches Youth National Championship.
With nearly 300 athletes competing in the 9-10 year old division, the championship meet hosted runners from all across the United States. Edge was the first to cross the finish line, becoming the national champion with a 3K time of 11:08.
His finish earned him a spot on the ‘All American Team’ and first place runner on the 9-10 year old National Championship team Saturday.
Edge will continue to train postseason. He will Travel to Knoxville, Tenn., in early December for the AAU Cross Country National Championship where the top youth athletes in the country will race at Victor Ashe Park to determine the best in the United States.
“We are so proud of Camryn in everything he does. He strives to better himself and his fellow teammates with every practice and meet he has,” Camryn’s mom LeAnn said. “We are so excited to see what he is able to accomplish in the future.”
