Athlete of the Week: Ryann Lange, Windermere High cross-country

Windermere High cross-country runner Ryann Lange wrote her name in the school’s record books by breaking the 5K record. 

She broke the record during the Hawks Last Chance cross-country meet Saturday, Oct. 28. During the meet, Lange came fifth overall with her time of 18:55:50. 

In one year, she improved her 5K time by more than one minute and has continued to steadily grow as an athlete. The junior also competes on Windermere’s track team where she made it to regionals in May 2025. 

What do you enjoy the most about cross-country?  

What I enjoy most about cross-country is the team unity that we have on our team and how encouraging everyone is during workouts and when we race.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from cross-country?  

The biggest lesson I’ve learned from cross-country is trying to not let a bad race or a bad season define me as a runner.

What is your favorite cross-country memory? 

My favorite cross-country memory is making it to states last season.

Who is your favorite athlete and why? 

My favorite athlete is Sydney McLaughlin, because she’s very talented, committed, and she gives glory to God no matter what she is doing.

What is your go-to pre-race meal?

My pre-race meal is a bagel with peanut butter and bananas on top.

What is your go-to pre-race hype song?

My pre-race hype song is “The Father’s House” by Cory Asbury.

What is your favorite non-sports hobby?

My favorite non-sports hobby is painting.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island? 

Three things that I would take on a deserted island are a tarp for shelter, a rope to set up traps for food and my best friend, so I’m not lonely.

What is your favorite movie? 

My favorite movie is “White Chicks.” 

If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be and why?  

Charlie Kirk, because he had a lot of wisdom, and he can give me advice for the future.

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?  

I would go to the pyramids thousands of years ago.

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self? 

A piece of advice that I would give to my younger self is that the opinions of other people don’t matter and not to let them get under your skin.

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?  

Did I accomplish the goals that I have set for myself?

Who is your favorite superhero? Why? 

My favorite superhero is Batman, because he has a lot of discipline and is strategic.

Who is your favorite supervillain? Why?  

My favorite supervillain is the Joker, because he doesn’t take anything seriously and he’s funny.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? 

If I could have any superpower, I would pick the ability to fly, because I can get to places faster and I don’t have to pay for car insurance.

If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?  

I would want to travel to Hawaii, because there are very beautiful beaches; France to see the Eiffel Tower; and Alaska in the spring, because it’s really pretty with the mountain views.

What is your most controversial food take?  

French fries are better without sauce. 

Does pineapple belong on pizza? 

Yes, pineapple does belong on pizza. It adds more flavor and it’s a good food combination.