Catasauqua’s Lexi Rushatz has been pleased with her accomplishments, but she still has miles to log on her cross country circuit.

She is optimistic to make a return to states this season.

“Things have been good and I am happy with the everything,” said the junior. “I have been able to run a lot of my best times this season.

“Also, I have been able to break the 20-minute mark, which was a big goal of mine.”

Rushatz registered a time of 21.43 for a 17th-place finish in the recent Colonial League championships at DeSales University. She was 11th in the league meet and 10th in districts last year.

She is confident that a good showing at districts this week can be a springboard toward a return to states.

“I really feel more motivated because I know what I have to do to go there,” said Rushatz. “We have had really good chemistry on our team and that has really helped motivate everybody.

“I feel that I can peak at the right time.”

Head coach Kyle Rusnock has been pleased with Rushatz’s accomplishments and his team’s steady progression.

“I thought Lexi (Rushatz) would be able to get into the top 10 at leagues,” said Rusnock. “Lexi is a gamer.

“She has worked hard to get her time under 20 and has a lot of confidence. I expect her to be able to qualify for states. She is running the same course again, and that will be an advantage for her.”

Overall, Rusnock hasn’t been disappointed. The Roughie’s girls’ unit finished sixth from the 12-team field. Lucy Brubaker was right behind Rushatz with an 18th-place finish in 21:56.

“That was good for them,” said Rusnock. “We thought that would be the position where they would finish. The girls have been very consistent all season and will get better.”

Rusnock also has liked what he has seen from the boys’ team.

“The boys are running hard,” he said. “Cole Brown just broke the 20-minute mark, and everyone else is lowering their times.

“They all have sped up their game, and we expect a good send of the season.”