Addie Blais (right)

Addie Blais is just a freshman, but she is already making a name for herself in varsity cross-country this fall.

“Addie is a very talented runner and is always at practice and does what is expected of her,” Lake Region Coach Dan Dors said. “In my 17 years at Lake Region, I’ve never seen a freshman improve so much. She is having great success because she goes out in practice and pushes herself to get better.”

Out of a field of 73 runners at Poland last week, Addie placed fourth over the 3.1-mile course in 22:24 — winning time was 20:54.

“She does not take it easy in practice. We have run twice on our cross-country course, and her time the first time was 22:59, while her second time was 21:03 — great improvement,” Coach Dors said. “Addie has the kind of character that you want to build a team around — just a solid team member.”

Addie is well liked by her teammates — both boys and girls — and a pleasure to coach.

In recognition of her strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Addie is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed T-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

The Blais File

Name: Addie Blais

Year in School: Freshman

Town: Naples

Parents: Della Blais and Shannon Blais

Sports you play: Cross-country, track & field

Q. Best piece of advice you have received? AB. Best piece of advice I’ve received is don’t pray for success, train for it.  I got this from Coach Dors.

Q. Who is your biggest fan? AB. I would have to say my friends because they go out of their way to cheer me on. Thank you Katie Sullivan and Hannah Stewart.

Q. I know I have had a good sports day when… AB.  I came home and all I want to do is take a nap.

Q. What is your favorite sport? AB. Cross-country is my favorite sport because I enjoy running. Also, I enjoy having a good group of friends on my team.

Q. If I could change one thing about myself as an athlete, I would change… AB. How much water I drink. I should probably drink way more than I already do.

Q. What qualities make for a good teammate and who do you consider a good teammate? AB. Good leadership. All of my teammates are great leaders, but I would have to say Ben Roy because he’s always on top of things.

Q. What do you believe you bring to your team? AB. Well, I try my best and push others to try their best too!

Q. What characteristics do you feel make for a good coach? AB. All the characteristics Coach Dors and Coach Peterson have.