Ashley Ritter was anxious to get her senior season running cross country at Catasauqua underway.

So far, her anxiety has resulted in success.

Ritter recently posted her personal best in 23.02 at a meet at Wilson Sept. 21. It was a drop since she began the season posting a 27.22.85 at an opening-league meet at Moravian Academy Sept. 8.

She anticipated lowering her time further as the season goes on and the postseason gets closer. In addition to her own accomplishments, Ritter has been proud about her team’s highlights. Alivia Bear, Lucy Brubaker and Kaylee Weidaw have joined Ritter in being among the top 30 finishers in races this fall.

“I think the season is going pretty good,” she said. “The girls team has been doing pretty good. “We recently beat Palisades and that was our goal.

“I really think we are doing as well as we thought we could so far. We were able to start earlier this year in July, and that has helped get us in better shape.”

Head coach Kyle Rusnock has watched Ritter blossom as a runner and as a teammate.

“Ashley is having a great year,” said Rusnock. “She is rising to the occasion and posting great times.

“She has been a breath of fresh air on the team keeping us laughing and motivated. I am looking forward to Ashley finishing strong as the year winds down.”

Ritter attributes part of her success to the team’s rigid schedule.

“Having a set schedule each week really has helped,” she said. “We have our hill work, speed work, and our simulated race work. It really helps us prepare for the race ahead.

“We all feel like we have been able to approach the races feeling more prepared and with a better mindset.”

Ritter also will be anxious for the basketball and track seasons ahead. She plans to run distance in the spring and also is part of the 4 x 800 relay.

She is glad she made the move to cross country her freshman year. Having Rusnock as an eighth-grade teacher certainly helped. Ironically, Ritter plans to pursue a career as a teacher beginning next year at Kutztown University.

“In middle school, I played soccer and basketball,” she stated. “I have liked running since I was little.

“Coach Rusnock spoke to me about joining the team and I haven’t regretted it since.”

Neither has Rusnock and her teammates.