Featured Athlete ///


Sonya Brunner, Calvary Lutheran


BRUNNING FOR JOY


Story By: Chris Rogers, II


The Calvary Lutheran senior has a chance to make it to the state cross country championships for a fourth straight year. A three-  her school, and she loves to run! “Cross country has always been my favorite, because what other sport gives you an excuse to run outside with a bunch of people as far as you can into the woods, exploring the world at your own pace?” Sonya has built lifelong friendships with her teammates, teachers and coaches who have encouraged her love of running and pushed her to go further. “Coach Ty and Kerri Morris have been my         always remind me of the truth– our team starts most meets with a prayer reminding us that God is the One who gives us strength, seeing our race all the way through.”


Her parents, Ryan and Leslie Brunner, and family have been in- credibly supporting, driving many miles to watch Sonya run. Mom has also spent time running alongside. 


66 /// August 2024


the end of that year. COVID-19 didn’t help much, but we improvised  now at about 16 runs for my 17th birthday). She helps me remember what’s important as she screams, “Have fun, have fun, have fun.” Sonya has a lot of fun running and takes the freedom of the open air as a gift from God that she is blessed to explore. “I like using a seemingly simple ability–running–that God has giv- en me to enjoy interacting with the outdoors, as well as with people that He has put in my life. It’s a funny thing to show other people


“I like using a seemingly simple ability—running—that God has given me to enjoy interacting with the outdoors, as well as with people that He has put in my life.”


how much enjoyment you can get from such a simple thing.” Sonya isn’t just happy to feel the open air as she takes journeys that a car wouldn’t allow her to appreciate. It runs far deeper for the Calvary Lutheran runner.


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