Northwest's Wells' injury prematurely ends state race

WICHITA, Kan. — The only girl from Northwest to make it to state, senior Amy Wells stepped up to the starting line at Rim Rock Farm on Saturday, October 27. It was her second state appearance in her only two years of ever running cross country. She inhaled a deep breath, and prepared her body, including the leg she had injured earlier that week. The gun went off, and Wells ran the best she could, knowing it would be the last time she would represent her high school in a meet.

“I was so nervous,” Wells said. “I was just thinking about it being my last high school cross country race and how I didn’t want to let anyone down because I felt there were a lot of expectations.”

Running with the pack, Wells approached the hill called “Suicide Turn” about halfway through the race. She ran up it with ease, and tried to slow down when she neared the bottom. When she turned, Wells heard a popping sound in her leg that brought her race to an end without her ever reaching the finish line.

“Not being able to finish my senior state race was just about my worst nightmare,” Wells said. “I have honestly never felt so devastated in my life.”

The final report of a torn calf muscle came from an Emergency Room doctor later that day. Despite her disappointment, Wells’ family and coaches were happy with her performance.

“They’re all being really supportive and just telling me how proud they are of me for all I’ve done this year,” Wells said.

Wells has a decision to make about her opportunity to run in college for the next four years. She was “hoping to have a general feeling” after the state race, but being injured has made her mind more confused than ever. Even though her last race didn’t go as planned, Wells believes running was one of the best ideas she’s ever had.

“[Cross country] is a way for me to express myself,” Wells said. “It was my first big ‘last’ of my senior year, and it’s sad to see the things you love come to an end. I wouldn’t have had nearly as good of a high school experience without [cross country].”