Personal Records:
60m (in) - 8.38
100m - 12.93
200m - 25.74
400m - 56.83
800m - 2:12.71
Long Jump - 17-3
State 2017: 8th in the 400, 2nd in the 4 x 800, 4th in the 4 x 400
State 2016: 3rd in the 400, 3rd in the 4 x 400
State 2015: 6th in the 400, 5th in the 4 x 400
7-time All-State
Where were you born?
I was born in St. Cloud and lived there until sixth grade when we moved to the Rocori Public Schools Area.
What sports did you participate in when you were young?
I was into everything: dance, soccer, softball, basketball, and volleyball especially.
How did you get into the sports you play now?
When I started school at Rocori in middle school I wanted to play volleyball in the fall but we did not know where to sign up. So I signed up for tennis and that wound up being a great decision for me as I became the #1 player at our school my freshman year. I made it to state as a sophomore which was a huge milestone as I was the first person in school history to do that. This past fall I got third at section and didn't make it to state. All of this was in singles competition.
In the spring I wanted to play softball but you couldn't do that until you were in seventh grade so I joined the track & field team.
Out of all the sports you have played over the years which one helped you the most for Track & Field?
Soccer helped me the most because of the endless running.
How come you did not go out for soccer at Rocori?
When I came to the school they did not have a team. They were originally just a club team but in the last year or two they have become a school sport.
Who are your coaches and what has their role been for you?
Jim Meyer is the head coach and specializes in distance running. Some days I will run with his group and he has helped me out so much with the mental aspects.
Brad Bauer is the sprint coach and helps me with techniques such as the start and form running. Lisa Swan-Anderson helps us with the relays.
You were injured this year? What was the injury?
I had a hamstring pull in one of my legs. It lasted from early April until mid-May. We did most of the typical things such as icing to get it recovered. During this time I did a lot of elliptical type of stuff to stay in shape. Then when I returned to action I had to run with the JV for a while until I could get up to speed again. It was a tough time getting ready for state as I couldn't really do much as far as speed work, but I just trusted God and things ended up going pretty decent at the state meet.
Which teammates helped you out the most this year?
Jayda Woods because she was always able to run with a great attitude and was a great example for me. She is the same grade as me, but more of a distance runner. Freshman Carley Kraemer was great to be around. She was in our 4 x 400 and 4 x 800 relays and actually texted me to give me some encouragement when I was dealing with my hamstring injury.
Who is your toughest opponent that you often face?
That is a tough question to answer because I did not run very many regular season races this year. However Sophie Schmitz of Willmar is always tough. However I didn't really get a chance to talk to many opponents during the state meet as everyone is all business there!
What about other activities that you participate at school?
I like to stay busy and I'm not on a team in the winter any more. So I participate on the speech team, R club, R.A.D.D., am secretary of the National Honor Society, and am the president of the student senate. I also participate with the Track MN Elite program which is mostly operated out of Brooklyn Park, MN. I think I drive further than anyone else on the team!
(Photo provided by Brynn Sauer)
What is a typical week like in the winter with this club?
It's a little more laid back than during the summer but we still meet typically about 2-3 times per week or I might run at the St. John's University track sometimes.
What is a typical week like in the summer and how much time does it require?
In the summer we typically start from when the regular track season ends in mid-June until nationals in early August. Practices might go like this:
Sunday: Meet
Monday: rollers, static stretches, core strength, 25 minute jog, static stretches, rollers
Tuesday: 800 jog, warm ups including similar to Monday
12 x 200 warm down similar to Monday
Wednesday: warm up similar to Tuesday, 4 x 600, warm down
Thursday: warm up, 300-200-100, warm down
Friday: No practice
Saturday: Meet
Do you plan to compete in college? Where?
It's my dream to go to an Ivy League school because I also want a top academic program as well as being able to run.
Is there anything unusual your team might do compared to other teams?
We always have a team motto printed on t-shirts. This year it was "Get Uncomfortable."
The captains have input in this and I am excited to be a captain next year and help figure out our new motto!