MORAVIA - Kerrin Epstein hit the ground running from the start of the cross-country season.

Epstein, 17, said she spent her summer on a tight training regimen that included running up to 40 miles a week to get ready for the season.

"I've been having a really good season so far," Epstein said. "I trained really hard this summer. I ran a lot of miles and did a lot of weight lifting. All the work makes you stronger and increases your endurance."

According to Blue Devils coach Jan Hunsinger, Epstein's commitment is welcome.

"She has the skills," Hunsinger said. "But the work she put in is lifting her to a new level, it is showing in her running."

Already this season, Epstein has improved on her times from last season and has wracked up some impressive victories such as the Auburn Invitational (19:50 versus 20:25 last year).

"I think I pretty much did my best at Auburn," Epstein said. "To come in first was really nice. I think I did well and improved a lot, that is really encouraging."

Epstein also set a record for her home course, completing it faster than any Moravia girl before (20:49).

Epstein said improvement was her biggest goal in the offseason.

"Basically improving my times is the one goal that I really had over the summer," Epstein said. "I trained a lot with my dad and my friend Jen Glenister and that definitely helped knowing that I had to get up and meet someone and go for a run, they helped keep me focused."

As a senior, Epstein is a co-captain, who is setting a good example for the younger runners.

"There are a few new freshmen this year," Epstein said. "And they are fitting in and doing well. We (the team) work out together, we warm up together and we are there to support our fellow runners. It is about being a team unit and good sportsmanship. I'm there if any of the new runners want any advice, but everyone pretty much knows what they are doing. I really try to show everyone that we can have a good time being on this team."

Hunsinger said, there is more to Epstein than running; it is how she carries herself as a person that reflects in what she does.

"She is one of the nicest people you would ever want to know," Hunsinger said. "She shows good sportsmanship all of the time and that is a nice quality in a runner and a person."

Even with training, workouts and meets, Epstein still finds time to hit the books.

"She is very intelligent," Hunsinger said. "She is one of the top students in the senior class and a delight as a student."

Epstein said being a runner and sticking to a tight schedule have been a benefit to both her athletic and academic careers.

"I'm really enjoying my senior year," Epstein said. "I'm doing pretty well. Sometimes there can be some pretty busy nights, but running has taught me a lot about time management. When you run, you have to keep going and that translates to school too."

Last year, the Blue Devils made states, which Epstein said, was the highlight of last season.

"It was exciting," Epstein said. "We did pretty well, but it was really nice to have the whole team there."

Epstein is no stranger to states, having gone three years in a row individually, but this year, Hunsinger believes she has what it takes to go even farther.

"I think she has a chance to make the Federation Meet," Hunsinger said. "That is the farthest you can go. No Moravia girl has ever made it. Kerrin's brother made it two years ago. But I really think she has a chance, she is a very good runner."

Epstein is excited about the season, but said the key to her success is taking it one step at a time.

"When I run I don't really think about those things too much," Epstein said. "I just run and see how my body is doing. I just take each mile one step at a time and we'll see how we do."