ALTON - Sophia Helfrich had a break-out cross country season this year for the Alton girls' squad qualifying from the regional as an individual and also improving her time at the sectional.

Helfrich is an Auto Butler Female Athlete of the Month for Alton High School.

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

Another freshman Monica Klockemper also stood out for the Redbirds, so the future looks bright in girls' cross country for the Redbirds.

Athlete of the Month is sponsored by

Helfrich finished in 21:30 in the regional for three miles and lowered her time to 21:10.73 at the Normal Sectional for 104th position.

The Redbirds Head Girls Cross Country Coach Tammy Talbert said Sophia had never been in a 5K race until this season and didn’t know what to expect, but kept improving as the season endured.

“She has a heart for competition and has a bright future,” her coach said. “She has already set goals for the future and I think she can attain them.”

More like this:

Yesterday - Runner Ava Certa Signs With Quincy University, Shines As A Tucker’s Automotive Female Athlete Of Month

Nov 14, 2023 - Taylor Brooks Provides Spark For Eagles Girls Cross Country Team, Is A Tom Lane State Farm Female Athlete Of Month

Apr 9, 2024 - Griffins' Gilbertson Secures A Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Female Athlete Of Month Honor With Stellar Track Performance

Apr 3, 2024 - EAWR Grad Jayden Ulrich Makes History at Louisville in Shot Put, Discus

Mar 19, 2024 - Brannan Records P.R. At Los Angeles Marathon, Is One Of Top Finishers