Follow the leader: Austin runner will take on a much bigger role this season – Austin Daily Herald

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Austin junior Abby Lewis, left, and Austin grad Marissa Shute run through the nature center during a team workout Wednesday. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com

It was just like old times at the Hormel Nature Center on a hot, muggy Wednesday morning, but those times are changing soon.

As she has many times in the past, Austin junior Sydney Lewis was running side by side with Austin grad Marissa Shute, who is headed off to college soon. Lewis will be left to lead the Packer girls cross country program, which has had a reputation of producing many hard working, state qualifiers over the years.

One of those hard workers was Sydney’s older sister Abby, a 2019 AHS grad, who qualified for five state cross country meets and one state basketball tournament. Sydney was along the ride for many of Abby’s runs, and she’s also cousins with the Leif family in Paceli, which has many runners as well. However, Sydney was a reluctant runner in her early days.

“I always told them that I was never going to run and they would always try to get me to go out for cross country, but I wasn’t going to do it. I always biked on our Thanksgiving runs,” Sydney said. “Eventually, I was really looking for a positive community of people and that’s how I found cross country.”

Sydney began taking running much more seriously in the past year as she gave up golf to run track and field this past spring and she’s maintained a busy schedule this summer. She’s already noticing the benefits of becoming a year-round runner.

“I had so much fun doing track and it was a really good way to stay in shape. I went straight from track to running this summer. From this year compared to last year, I’ve been able to run a lot easier,” Sydney said. “’I’m pushing myself to meet my goals and running really helps with my mental health. I need to be running for myself.”

Shute, who is headed to run cross country and track and field at Division I Western Illinois, was glad to be back and running next to Lewis, even if it was a hot day in July. Over the past few years, Shute has mentored Lewis, just like Shute was mentored by 2021 AHS grad Nadia Vaughn, who took 64th in the Northern Sun Conference meet for Division II Bemidji State University in 2024.

Shute said that being a great leader all comes down to work ethic and mindset.

“It’s a lot of getting the miles in and getting it done. There are going to be hot days like today, but I’m glad I got out here to catch up with Sydney,” Shute said. “When Sydney came in, I instantly clicked with her. The program’s in really good hands with Sydney as a captain and a leader. She’s always willing to push herself and go above and beyond, whether it’s to help someone else or help herself get better.”

It’s certainly bittersweet for Shute and Lewis to be parting ways, but Sydney feels she’s ready to lead the Packers when practice begins in a few weeks.

“It definitely does not feel real. It’s hard to believe that Marissa graduated and she won’t be on the team this year and there are so many young runners out here,” Sydney said. “I’m excited to be a leader; my biggest goal this year is to make sure everybody has fun.”