Bailey Cronin | Student Athlete – Beloit Memorial High School

Avery Lewis
Increscent Staff

Three Time State Cross Country Qualifier

Bailey is the first girl in Beloit Memorial history to qualify for state three times in cross country. Cronin added to her illustrious cross country career by being awarded both First Team All Conference as well as All Conference Academic Award.

Cronin is known for her work ethic and fiery competitiveness as a runner. Bob Shaver, the head coach of the cross country team, pointed to some traits of Cronin that have made her a successful runner.

“Her determination, she doesn’t like to lose, and she has some natural ability and she works hard,” said Coach Shaver. Bailey also puts an emphasis on her competitive nature as a key to her running success.
 

STUDENT Athlete

“I’m a pretty strong competitor mentally, and I don’t like losing and I don’t like going slow,” said Bailey. Cronin does everything at full speed, and that includes academics. With straight A’s and seven AP classes taken in high school, Bailey likes to be the very best in more than just the 5k.

In order to qualify for state, Bailey needed to finish the 5k (3.1 miles) in the top five places. After the top two teams are taken from the sectional, then the next five girls who are not on a qualifying team can qualify for state individually.

Bailey’s quickest 5k time is a scorching 18:43, and she hopes to top this time on the October 29 state meet in Wisconsin Rapids at 3 pm. She attributes her low times to the training program she goes through over the course of the season, such as running with the boys.

“The boys team especially, Smith Mayse in particular. I run with them every day at practice which has really helped. Running with the boys really helps because they make fun of me, and it makes me work harder,” said Bailey laughing.
 

Training for her Future

So what’s next for Cronin after high school is over?

“I definitely want to run in college. I’ve been looking all across the board, D3, D2, and D1,” explained Bailey. The options seem endless for Cronin who with stands out to colleges both academically and athletically. As for her high school cross country career winding down, she has mixed emotions.

“It’s bittersweet. Hopefully I run well (at state), and hopefully it is a good last meet.”

The following week following our interview with Bailey she finished in 52nd place with a time of 19:45.26 at the WIAA Division 1 state cross country meet at Wisconsin Rapids. And as it turned out, she was the only area runner to qualify for the state meet.
 

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