Trio of Knights on course for exciting college careers
After smashing loads of school team records and qualifying for the cross country state meet all four years of their careers, West Holmes runners Lexy Starner, left, Zora Starner and Noelle Smith will be heading to college to compete next fall, the Starner twins for Ohio Wesleyan University and Smith at Walsh University.
Some athletes make an impact for their teams and schools in high school, then there are the ones who set the standard.
The recent trio of cross country runners who committed to compete at the collegiate level next season set the bar extremely high for future generations, becoming record-setters in the most impressive ways possible.
West Holmes seniors Zora Starner, Lexy Starner and Noelle Smith are all part of the Lady Knights cross country team that has been nothing short of sensational. They were freshman when the team made its first-ever state cross country appearance and then proceeded to lead the team to three more state appearances, having the honor of running at state in all four of their seasons.
They have also been an instrumental part of the Lady Knights track program, having appeared at state in relays.
Twin sisters Lexy and Zora Starner will be heading to Ohio Wesleyan University to compete in cross country and track and field, while Smith will be following that same path at Walsh University.
The Starners chose to compete at OWU together because they enjoy the experience of working and running together, something they’ve done their whole lives.
For those unfamiliar with their expertise, they could often be seen running stride for stride on the track, as if they were one runner.
“I’m really excited,” Lexy Starner said. “I love running, and I can’t wait to see what I can accomplish with a new group of girls and distance runners.”
Zora Starner said the opportunity to continue to compete was a blessing, and she, too, is excited to see where their work ethic and dedication will take them to the next level.
“I’m excited to meet a whole new group of girls and build relationships with them as well as the coaches,” she said.
Lexy said having a twin sister to run with is a built-in advantage because it means someone to run with all the time, any time. She said they also push one another to work harder and train harder, and Zora said they are lucky to have one another.
“If it’s an easy day and Lex wants to run harder, then I have to run harder,” Zora Starner said.
Lexy Starner added that it is a true blessing to be able to move on to the next level as sisters, with one goal, one mindset and one heart that means competing to do their very best.
Smith will take her game to Walsh University. She said moving on to run at college is an exciting step in the progression of her career.
“It gives me another four more years to get to the goals I’ve set since I was young,” Smith said.
Like her teammates, she too will compete in cross country and track, and having experienced such great success in both worlds, she is thrilled to accept the challenges that will soon come her way.
Smith exploded on the scene at West Holmes as a freshman and never looked back, and she said her experience in the cross country and track programs has prepared her well.
“It’s been great running with Zora and Lexy and all my teammates coming up right now,” Smith said. “They push all push so hard every day, and it’s great to deal with girls who also want to be here and push each other. I can’t wait to continue that next year in college with a bunch of other girls that want to be there.”
As for being the record-setting crew that for four years has found its way to the state tournament, Smith said she is proud to be part of that group, but she said the expectation now is to follow suit for those coming along in the program.
“That was important to me, and it feels like we started something that they will continue for the next many years, which I’m excited to see,” Smith said.
For now, the focus will be on this spring’s track season, with huge expectations on the horizon for all three Lady Knights and their teammates, but soon they will be competing at the next level, carrying on the fine tradition of Knights who have gone on to achieve great things in college.