News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Stone Memorial senior Shelby Vitous finished her high school cross country career placing 24th at the state meet, she said her senior season exceeded all of her expectations.
The Temecula, California native moved to Cumberland County in 2022. She said her cross country performances as a sophomore and junior were not up to her standard. Also a member of the soccer team, she said her limited time with the XC team forced her to find a new mindset to unlock her potential.
“We only got one practice with cross country in a week, but I made the most out of those practices,” Vitous said. “And even having to run on my own, it really was a struggle to push myself to this point. But, it was so worth it and it was so much fun and I’m so grateful for all the people that supported me.”
Out of all the people that supported her, Vitous said her number one supporter is by far her dad. She said he comes to every match, takes bad pictures of her and pushes her to be the best. Vitous also noted fellow senior Laney Wiley as someone that has made this journey possible.
“Laney does all the sports with me, all my activities with me and she has been so inspirational to me,” Vitous said. “She’s just helped me push myself past my limits and always giving me good laughs when I’m stressed out on the line.”
Along with soccer and cross country, Vitous is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, she leads her youth group in worship on Wednesday nights and started a club at Stone Memorial called Paws 4A Cause. The club is designed for students to help volunteer at local animal shelters.
She said she is not the type of person to sit around and be lazy. Her fall semester may be a busy time, but she said she likes it that way.
“Honestly it is such a blessing,” Vitous said. “I can’t even think of all the things I do as a burden, because obviously I choose to do them, but honestly it gives me a purpose. It gives me a reason to serve others and it’s truly a blessing I get to do all of this stuff.”
Vitous said she plans on attending a four year college and hopes to continue with soccer and cross country.
