Ever since she was a young child, Montana Muller always has been active.

She found an outlet for her energies and flexibility with sports.

“My parents needed something to get me out of their hair,” mused Muller. “Since I was 5-years-old, I tried every sport around. I also started gymnastics when I was very young as well.”

For the past four years, Muller has been a district qualifier on the Rough Riders’ cross country team, and has been a pole vaulter on the track team for the past two years.

Last season, she set a new school record in the pole vault with a mark of 8-3 and finished eighth in the league meet.

Muller was approached in eighth grade about joining the cross country team by head coach Kyle Rusnock, who is a middle school teacher. In fact, she became part of a trio that ran together since they were freshmen.

“(Rusnock) was my eighth grade science teacher,” stated Muller. “He (Rusnock) is a great motivator and always gets kids to come out.

“I started running with Alexis Sheldon and Katie Verenna, and we ran together for four years. We all worked really well together and supported each other. There was a very good bond on the cross country team.”

“Cross country has really helped me with my overall endurance with gymnastics. It also has helped me stay loose and limber.”

Rusnock certainly will miss Muller’s presence.

“Montana (Muller) is a one-of-a-kind-athlete,” said Rusnock. “Beside her athletic talent, she is a great leader and student. She always was willing to help others.

“Montana had a great season last year, and I know she would have bettered her accomplishments and had a good chance to qualify for the state meet. It is unfortunate that she did not get a chance to pole vault this year, but she will go down as one of the best girl vaulters in Catty history.”

Recently, Muller announced her plans to continue her education at Gannon University, where she will be part of the acro and tumbling team and pursue a career in physical therapy.

Muller is a Level 10 gymnast and has trained for 12 years at Force Gymnastics in Nazareth. In addition, she has competed in the Junior Olympics program for five years.

Through gymnastics, Muller made a smoother transition to her pole vaulting, an event she just recently began.

“Coach Rusnock suggested that I try pole vaulting because of my background in gymnastics,” said Muller. “It was something that I have never done, and the coaches and other teammates helped me along the way. It was challenging at first, but I really didn’t have any fears due to my gymnastics background.

“(Pole vaulting) is similar to gymnastics,” said Muller. “I think of it as a combination. I know both help keep me in good shape. I have a good feel where my body is at all times and how to stay properly balanced through the whole process.”

Muller credits the constant support of her parents, Andrea and Jason, for their constant support over the years.

“They have always inspired me and helped me make the best decisions for me,” she said. “They have always been there and have made sure I get to all of practices.”

Muller thought about pursuing a career in physical therapy for quite some time, and her athletic background helped shape her decision.

She is ranked fourth overall in her class and has been a regular member of the school’s distinguished honor roll. In addition, Muller is the president of the National Honor Society.

With the cancellation of the spring sports season, Muller has been disheartened without her track season and gymnastics competitions.

“My teammates and I all are disappointed in the way things turned out,” said Muller. “I knew many of us seniors were looking forward to our last track season, and to hopefully finish out on a high note. Regarding my gymnastics season, I am also sad to not have competed in my last state and regional competition.

“I think the track program is headed in the right direction with a lot of talented underclassmen as well as great leadership by next year’s seniors and the wonderful coaches.”

Over the years, Muller has been a multiple qualifier as a level 10 gymnast to USAG states and regional competitions.

For Muller, it has been all finding her niche in practice.

“I am happy for what I have been able to do,” she said. “If I practice hard and stay focused, I know I can perform the same way in competition. My confidence has built over the years and I have been able to take it onto the competition floor.

“I am excitedly looking ahead to the fall and attending Gannon University where I can take advantage of the great academics they offer, and also being a member of the university’s acro and tumbling team.”