Some athletes lead with their words, but often times the most effective athletes lead with their actions.

It's his quiet leadership that has set apart cross country runner Garrett Nix from the pack this season.

The junior cross country runner has been named the Eastside Player of the Week this week for his efforts both on the course and at practice.

"What really stood out to me is how hard he worked over the summer," Eastside coach Leah Carlisle said. "He's here every day ready to go. His silent leadership is fantastic. The other runners can model him and see what they need to do to be successful."

The Eagles have participated in just two races earl in their season, but Nix ran a time of 20:52.20 at the Aug. 24 NEGA Cross County Championship, good for 82nd overall.

"(Cross Country) is a competition against yourself," Nix said. "You always want to make your best better than someone else's best."

The Eagles' captain has big goals for himself this season.

"I want to get under 19 minutes this season and go to state," Nix said.