Jenks won't run cross country

MARION -- Stephanie Jenks apparently will not attempt to defend her state cross country championship.Linn-Mar athletics director Scott Mahmens confirmed Monday night that the talented sophomore will not participate in cross country this fall.She will compete in swimming for Linn-Mar, and will continue to train as one of the best young female triathletes in the nation.Jenks placed third at the USA Triathlon National Championships in the Women's Junior Elite division earlier this summer.A phone call to Jenks was not returned, and Linn-Mar cross country coach Todd Goodell could not be reached for comment.Jenks claimed the Class 4A state cross country title last season, leading the Lions to second place in the team race. She was timed in 13:42, the fourth-best time in state-meet history, running up an 18-second victory margin.That capped an unbeaten rookie season.Last fall, Jenks participated in both cross country and swimming. She is an outstanding distance swimmer. The state cross country meet is the same day as the regional swim meet.Jenks was a double-winner at the state track meet, claiming the 1,500- and 3,000-meter titles. She won both of those events at the Drake Relays.Linn-Mar returns the other six runners from last year's state team, led by sophomore Amber Decker. She was 10th last year.