Spencer Phillips might have some doubts about his direction as a cross country runner over the past four years, but he plans to make the most of his senior season.

"When I think back now, I wish I could have been a better runner," he said recently. "I feel like I have learned a lot, and there have been plenty of ups and downs. Hopefully, I can end my career with a strong season this year."

Phillips recently began his final season in the Moravian Academy Lions' Invitational in which he ran a time of 19:46 and placed 95th from a field of 136 runners. He will look to continually improve his status and will also serve as team captain this fall.

It is a role that he doesn't anticipate any difficulties.

"Over the years, I would always listen to the seniors," recalled Phillips. "Now, I know I have to go out and direct. I feel good about it and I always felt comfortable being around people. But I know I can still learn from the younger kids.

"I enjoy being in a leadership role and I am involved in a lot of different programs. I know how to do it and shouldn't have a problem being in charge."

Head coach Kyle Rusnock also believes Phillips can set the pace.

"He (Phillips) has been around the program for a while, and the other runners will look to him for his experience. He has worked hard over the years and should have a good year for us."

Phillips also has appreciated being taught the sport from former head coach Charlie Post and Rusnock.

"I feel fortunate to have those two coaches," reflected Phillips. "They both have different styles and approaches and both have been effective. I learned a lot about myself and how to become a better runner in terms of endurance and speed. Those things have improved over time for me."

In addition to his mentors in the Roughies' program, Phillips's abilities can be traced to his own genes as his father, Clint, was a marathon runner at West Point, and mother, Diane, was a harrier at Allen High School. Younger brother, Mitchell, is among a budding group of freshmen.

"I have always been a runner," noted Phillips. "My parents spoke to me about it when I was younger and I started running on my own because Catty doesn't have a middle school team. I joined the team as a freshman and also the spring team. I also run indoor track for Northampton."

Phillips would like to follow in his father's footsteps and receive an appointment to West Point next fall. Realizing it is a difficult process, Phillips also has his sights set on the University of Pittsburgh or another major university where he can pursue a degree in nursing.

In the meantime, he maintains a full schedule as class president, student council secretary and a member of the school debate team, as well as outside interests such as a junior borough representative, worker at the Catty pool, and a volunteer at local hospitals among his other duties.

As far as cross country, Phillips wants to go to states, a goal that has been on his radar. Phillips also will remember running in the JV race of the Colonial League meet his freshman year, as he didn't run in the varsity meet due to a case of shin splints, an ailment that has plagued him in recent years. In the JV league race, Phillips finished second.

"Getting to states has always been a dream of mine," he said. "We almost went as a team in my sophomore year when we had a really good team. It would be an honor for me to run there as great runners like Anthony Brinkley and others did.

"I know I will have to keep working and I really want to do this. It will be close."

For Phillips, being near the top has never been a problem.