DeAn Knuth / Arizona Daily Star

Other articles by Jamie M. Blanchard:

Banister, Wildcats overpower Sun Devils Wildcats' bombers eager to play ASU Run-in with fence inspires Wildcats Cats make Oregon pay for sloppy defense Arredondo back, and with a vengeance Wildcats complete sweep of Michigan Leles homers twice as Cats sweep twin bill Locked-in Cats pound St. Joseph's twice Stung Wildcats come back fast Cats work overtime, end early

Health Care
Sierra Tucson
Eating Disorders Program Coordinator Administrative & Professional
Jorgensen Brooks Group
Counselor Health Care
Dependable Health Services
Physical Therapists Construction
West-Press
Printing Health Care
CENTRAL ARIZONA COLLEGE
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT Mechanical
Komatsu Equipment Co
Resident Field Mechanic Administrative & Professional
Tucson Urban League
CEO/President

Ironwood Ridge cross country runner Kirsten Herrera, 17, wants her own private island with white sand beaches. "And people fanning me with leaves," she added.

But her more realistic goal is an individual title at the Class 4A-I state championship next month in Phoenix. Herrera, a senior, finished second at the meet last year.

Herrera has not experienced many second-place finishes this year. She holds the current season bests on three local courses, including her favorite: the Nighthawks' Riverfront Park.

Herrera placed third Wednesday at the ultra-competitive Rattler Invitational.

Q: What is your favorite meet?

A: "I want to say that I like Los Mezquites (Invitational) because it's a fun one with lots of stuff going on and there is music playing — but it is pretty hot. That's the only bad part."

Q: You also run track in the spring. What do you like better, cross country or track and field?

A: "I like cross country the best. I think track is even harder for me than cross country. At least with cross country, you can mix it up. The courses are different and more challenging — there are hills and sand. I think it's a lot more interesting than running around the track."

Q: Besides athletics, what are you involved with?

A: "I'm really involved with Young Life. It's like a youth group at our school; it's a Christian thing. I'm one of the officers of it. I think it's a really great program. I like that I'm involved in it."

Q: If you could have lunch with one person, who would it be?

A: "If I could have lunch with anyone, I would want to have it with Ashton Kutcher. He's a really interesting guy, really funny and really attractive. I'd like to see how his personality is when he's not on screen. I'd want to see if he is as cool as I think he is in the movies."

Q: What three words would you use to describe yourself?

A: "I would describe myself as fun, hilarious and amazing." Her favorite joke? "What do you call a cow with no legs? Ground beef."