Senior Naomi Bailey of West Valley High, who captured the Region VI championship Sept. 26 by running 17:48.6 on the 5-kilometer layout at Fairbanks Golf Course, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to preview the Alaska School Activities Association state championship Oct. 10 at Kincaid Park in Anchorage. Bailey expresses gratitude for the ASAA deciding to hold the state final, but knows that it will be a unique experience, since there will only be individual champions crowned for boys and girls in each of the three divisional classifications and no team titles. Bailey, who finished third at last year's Division 1 state final, shares her anticipation for being able to compete against fellow regional winners Kiah Dihle of Thunder Mountain and Emily Walsh of Eagle River, along with Ava Earl of South Anchorage, who finished fourth last season. She also speaks about the unknown factor this season with the race being moved from its usual venue of Bartlett Trails to Kincaid Park and how important getting a preview of the course will be. Bailey revisits a 17:04.97 5-kilometer time trial she ran on the track Sept. 12, which included splits of 10:54 at 3,200 meters and 16:34.5 at 3 miles as part of the Woodbridge Classic Trample the Virus Virtual race. She also reflects on her journey with West Valley coach Dan Callahan, who has helped Bailey develop from the Region VI junior varsity champion in 2017 to a leading contender for a state title as a senior. Bailey also talks about her friendship with three-time state cross country champion and recent West Valley graduate Kendall Kramer, who has remained a source of wisdom and experience throughout this season. She also talks about the significance of competing at her final state meet with junior sister Gloria Bailey, who placed fourth at the regional final in 19:55 to secure a berth among the 38 athletes qualifying for the Division 1 championship. Naomi also discusses the importance of her faith in all aspects of life, allowing her to continue to develop strength and resolve when challenges arise, both on and off the cross country course.