My name is Riley Franz. I’m a class of 2023 Track and Field/Cross Country student athlete at Zion-Benton Township High School. Due to Covid-19 I wasn’t able to participate in Track for my freshman year but thankfully, sports were back on my sophomore year, so I was able to participate in Cross Country and Track. During my track season I ran the 4X100, 4X400, and my main event, the 400. That year, my team had made it to state for the 4X100 and 4X400, but I didn’t make it for the 400. This motivated me to improve my 400 times to where I knew they could be, and be back at the state meet my junior year of high school. I performed well with Cross Country, dropping 2 minutes from my 3 mile time from last year, racing at 18:41, and I also ran a 58.14 in the 400, winning the Illinois, Deerfield Sectional, and was on my way to the Illinois 3A state Track and Field meet. Racing conditions at state weren’t ideal, but I am positive I will be at the state meet again for Track and even Cross Country, breaking 57 seconds and 18 minutes, and placing high in the state meet.

As a varsity student athlete, maintaining a 4.1 weighted GPA, with a rigorous course load of honors and AP classes, being an active member in my schools NHS, Healthy YOUth, Project-Lit, and Future Business Leaders of America club, and working part time in a restaurant, I know what it takes to be diligent and dedicated and I have plans to compete at the collegiate level in Track and Field and work hard to accomplish my goals. As a leader to my team, I set a positive example and environment of what it takes to achieve your goals to go above and beyond. Through my dedication, I grow more as an athlete and student everyday to work to my success. For more information, please email me at rileyfranz2023@gmail.com.