HELIX — Ryann Stahancyk has been running cross-country for Griswold ever since she was a freshman, but when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the delay of her senior season, she’s became unsure if she’ll be able to run again.

“If I’m being completely honest, I have not yet decided if I’ll run this year due to the change of the season,” said Stahancyk, 17. “But if I do, my goal is to run my race in 20 minutes, and I would love to make it to state, because my school hasn’t sent anyone for many years.”

Under the new schedules set by the Oregon School Activities Association, Stahancyk will now have just seven weeks per season to play each of her three sports at Griswold. She’s been spending her summer training for the upcoming cross-country season, but now that the fall season has been postponed until February, she’ll have to wait even longer to put her practice to use.

Stahancyk began the summer by running three miles every day for a week. She then pushed it to four miles for the following weeks to build her stamina.

“I also try to ensure that I do a run with a lot of hills at least three days a week,” she added, “to help me build my endurance and get my mileage in. I’ve also been going to the gym and lifting weights to help stay strong and avoid injuries.”

Despite all of her cross-country preparation, Stahancyk will be playing basketball first, followed by cross-country, before finishing off her high school career with track, in which she is partial to the 400-meter dash and the 4×100 and 4×400 relays.

“There will be a lot of challenges that come with these shorter seasons and them being at different times,” she said. “In sports, time is very important. Due to the fact that the seasons will be much shorter, it’ll be harder for the coaches and students to achieve the goals they’ve already set for themselves. Cross-country will be held in a much cooler time of year than we’re used to. That’ll definitely throw us through a learning curve.”

Despite her passion for cross-country, Stahancyk’s history with basketball and track run much deeper in her life. She’s been shooting hoops since the second grade, and running track since seventh, per her school’s requirements.

“It’s a part of the P.E. program,” she said. “I was forced to do track, but I found that I really loved to run. I found my love of running during that time, and it just continued to grow.”

Since joining the cross-country team at Griswold, Stahancyk has been in the top three runners on her team every year, and has gone to state twice as a track runner.

“She’s a tenacious hard worker who never stops,” Griswold head track coach Rory Simpson said. “Even to her detriment, often hiding soreness and even injuries to keep training and competing. I can’t believe she’s already a senior. I’ve coached her in track since middle school. At this point for Ryann, all I can ask is that we get to have a season, however good, bad, or short it may be. We often forget that for many students, this is their last chance to play with friends with the unique journey that sports provide.”

Stahancyk’s work is already cut out for her this year — she has a slew of personal records set last season that are waiting for her to top. Her best cross-country finish came at districts last year, where she crossed the line at 21:31.0. Her PRs in track include a 1:10.97 finish in the 400-meter, 57.09 in the 4×100, and a 4:32.81 in the 4×400. Although she’ll have to wait a little longer for her senior season, she’s eager to go out there and set some new records.

“My first reaction to finding out that the fall season was postponed was disappointment,” Stahancyk recalled. “But after a little thought, I realized they’re doing what they feel is best for everybody and will keep us safe. I’ll be spending my fall season running and preparing for basketball.”

Favorite sport to play and why?

Basketball — As long as I can remember, I’ve always loved to play. It’s my safe space, in a way. It’s a lot of fun to spend time with the team and create lasting memories.

Favorite sport to watch and why?

Basketball, although track is very entertaining as well. In basketball, there’s a lot going on and it’s very interesting to see how different teams and individuals work together. I just love all the different aspects of the game.

Favorite activity when not playing sports?

Snowboarding. Although all of my coaches don’t like it, I really enjoy it.

What is your favorite moment in high school athletics so far?

Singing in the locker room and on the bus with the team before basketball games. And when my basketball coach grabbed a microphone when we were waiting for a game and started lip synching a song as my teammates danced behind him.

A fun fact about you that few people know?

I have always wanted to go skydiving.