Kelly Presnell / 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

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If Rincon/University senior Ashley Chirco wins the Class 4A-I cross country state championship Saturday in Phoenix, the celebration will be simple.

"The first thing I'm going to do if I were to win the state championship is to thank all my coaches for their part in my success," she said. "And then I'd go out for pop. I haven't had it in so long."

Chirco qualified for the state event with a second-place finish at Saturday's 4A Sonoran Region championship. "It was kind of disappointing being the regional champion last year and falling to second this year," she said.

But disappointments have been rare for Chirco this season. She holds the season course record at Santa Cruz River Park, Riverside Park and Rincon's home course, Reid Park — her favorite.

Chirco also is a standout in track and field. She won state titles in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter races at the Class 4A-I championships in May.

Q: Which do you like better, cross country or track and field?

A: "It's hard to say. When I'm doing cross country, I'm a cross country runner. When I'm doing track, I'm a track runner. Whatever season I'm in, that's my sport."

Q: What motivates you to run?

A: "I think the thing that motivates you to run is yourself. If you're not self-motivated, you're not going to do well. You run for yourself. You can't run for anyone else. … There is one person who can make the race, one person who can break the race — it's you. That's one thing I really like about it. It's about you."

Q: Who are your idols?

A: "My mom and dad are definitely my idols. They've always been there for me and always inspired me to do my best. They've supported me no matter what happens. That's what I would love to be in the future —someone who is able to inspire other people. … There has never been a moment where they didn't support me, even if it's for something stupid."

Q: What is one thing your teammates would be surprised to know about you?

A: "When I was younger, me, my sister and my neighbors would dress up like Spice Girls and we would perform in front of the TV. We pretty much memorized the movie ("Spice World"). … It was awesome."

Q: If you could see any performer in concert, whom would you choose?

A: Elvis Presley. "My dad is the biggest Elvis fan on the face of the planet. I was raised with Elvis, so I love him. I guess I'm kind of a loser, but whatever." Her favorite tunes? "Suspicious Minds" and "Love Me Tender."