Cross-country preview: Pope John Paul II's Stephanie Schappert is the one to catch

Monday, September 14, 2009
by Jason Lieser

BOCA RATON — Stephanie Schappert is willing to run just about anywhere, even if she gets pelted by rain or has to dodge traffic.

She did both while training with her team last week.

'We're always running in the road and there's been some close calls where I probably shouldn't have crossed, but it happens,' Schappert said. 'We had one where the light turned green as we started to cross and we got a few angry people in the cars.'

Aside from a few frustrated honks on the streets, Schappert is likely to get a warm reception during the upcoming cross-country season. Schappert, a junior at Pope John Paul II, is the defending Class 2A state champion and the area's next great female runner.

Now that Wellington's Ashley Brasovan has graduated and gone on to Duke University, all eyes will be on Schappert. She experienced a modest amount of attention last season, but now her name will be on the one whispered and cheered at every race.