After finishing her leg in the 1,600-meter relay Tuesday against Paw Paw and Bangor, Edwardsburg girls track standout Aubrey Ritchey didn’t relax.

Instead, her running speed increased as she raced across the infield to cheer on her teammates.

Edwardsburg track coach Kevin Bartz was aware of it and impressed.

“When (Ritchey) was done running her lap in the 4×4 she wasn’t laying around here,” said Bartz. “She was across the field cheering her teammates on. You don’t see that a whole lot in track.

“You see the type of person she is and the leadership she provides to the team. She’s got a passion for running and a passion for this sport.”

Ritchey’s passion for track has never wavered despite the adversity she’s had to overcome.

The Edwardsburg senior got everyone’s attention by what she did as a freshman. She captured school records in the 800 meters (2:24.3) and 3,200 meters (11:56.8). Ritchey also qualified for the state finals in the 1,600 meters and 800 meters.

But since that sensational start, Ritchey has been unlucky when it comes to her health and just being able to run has been a challenge.

“My freshman year I was really healthy,” said Ritchey. “That was my best year.

“My sophomore year I just had a really bad cold that I couldn’t overcome.

“Last year, I had stress reactions in both of my legs. It was really weird. I tried as hard as I could.”

And her health now?

“I think I’m fully recovered, hopefully” Ritchey said. “I’m crossing my fingers.

“I just took some time off to heal. I didn’t run cross country this year. I trained for a marathon instead. I was doing longer distances and not faster stuff so I wouldn’t put extra pressure on my legs.”

If Tuesday is any indication, Ritchey may finish her high school track career like she started it.

Aubrey captured first place finishes in the 1,600 meters (6:05.70), 800 meters (2:39.61) and 1,600-meter relay (4:39.90).

Behind Ritchey’s efforts, the Eddies’ girls track team beat Paw Paw, 91-65, and Bangor, 102-57.

“I think I did really well for my first official meet,” Ritchey said. “In the mile I just went for the win because I wanted to focus on the 800 and getting my time faster for that. I knew me and Natalie Longo (second place, 2:41.46) were going to push each other (in the 800) and make ourselves better. The 4×4 is a fun race at the end of the day. I like being part of a team. We all did so great.”

Injury-free Ritchey expects her workload to increase with a spot on the 3,200-meter relay team a strong possibility.

“I just want to finish out strong,” she said. “My goals are to get to state again this year and get another school-record.”

Everyone should be rooting for Ritchey and keeping their fingers’ crossed.