Oxford, AL- Oxford’s Keur and George have made a mark in county cross-country circles. Jackets coach Delozier projects big plans for his county champions at UAB, UAH
By Al Muskewitz
Cross-country’s last sighting of Oxford’s Katie Keur or Noah George was when they were both coming from totally different places.
Keur felt a sense of accomplishment after he finished fourth in the rain and mud at his state cross-country championship. George was disappointed, cold, wet and muddy after his slip in the most difficult running conditions that could be imagined. He couldn’t close his career all-state.
Both were in a happier place Monday. They were both smiling, celebrating their college commitments of a week ago. Keur with UAB and George at Alabama-Huntsville.
Landon Delozier, Yellow Jackets coach, said that “you two are very, very special” and that they have left their mark. Each of you is unique and has very different qualities, which makes you each special. However, there are some defining characteristics that make them both very similar.
It’s a lifetime commitment to your craft, self-criticism, insane work ethic, and the ability to push yourself when you don’t have anyone to thank. It’s almost a superpower to still have fun with running, despite all the challenges that it can bring.
There is another similarity between them: there were times in their running careers when neither of them would have imagined that they would be sitting Monday discussing scholarships for cross-country in college. However, Delozier predicted both would “thrive”.
Delozier stated that both Delozier and Delozier are smart, strong and persistent. This is why they will be successful at the next level. “You don’t let anything get you down, but you look at the low points as an opportunity to learn. We have experienced those low points, and it has proven that you are capable of handling any situation. Both of you are going to be doing great things for UAB/UAH in the next four-years.”
Keur, who was a sophomore and suffered from shin sprints, stated that she would have laughed if someone suggested she run in college. George, meanwhile, dreamed of playing for the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team. His parents encouraged George to give cross-country a shot after he transferred to Oxford from Sacred Heart.
Both have made amazing strides in their careers. Keur broke 20 minutes last year at the state meet, and ran a personal record 18:22 at sectionals this year. She ran faster times in every race this year, with the exception of two.
Keur stated that although I was confident about my training, it wasn’t surprising because we had put in a lot and worked hard.
Her star started to rise and she began to look into Kennesaw State and South Alabama, but she quickly realized that UAB was the best fit for her.
George ran 18:45 during his cross-country debut as a ninth-grader, with a PR for 17:46. He ran a personal record of 15:36 at Scottsboro’s Black & Gold Invitational. UAH was the only school that offered both his major (aerospace engineering), and his sport. He is excited about the way the coaches develop their athletes.
Both hold the school record. Keur holds the school record for six events, including cross-country and indoor/outdoor tracks. George holds five school records.
All that sloppy business at the state meeting? It’s been George’s rearview mirror for a long time.
He said, “I’m still upset about it. But I’ve put that behind me.” “I wish it had turned out differently. But I’m ready for the next race, indoor/outdoor (track).
Cover photo by Dana Stewart George of Oxford star runners Noah George, Katie Keur and East Alabama Sports Today
