Salute To Seniors: Kaija Crowe - Milaca High School

What was your most memorable race?

9th grade Conference Meet - 400m

I was seeded 2nd behind Elizabeth Hemsworth of Sauk Centre, and there was a pretty big gap in times behind us. Gun goes off and one of my good friends from cross country, Kelly Patterson of Albany, is right there with me. We had a battle to the finish for 2nd place, the last All-Conference spot, she ended up with a 6sec PR, and I finally broke 1:01! 

 

Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?

Claire Gapinski of Foley. Being from rival schools I raced her every meet, in the 200 she beat me 5 times, I beat her 5 times. We raced once in the 100 and tied. She also led off her schools 4x100 and I anchored ours. 

 

What was your greatest accomplishment?

Every season I've been getting better in the high jump, last HS season I jumped a PR of 5'3" at Sections, all the hardwork this summer really payed off because I jumped a new PR of 5'7" this indoor season.

 

If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?

Nothing, I followed my heart through everything, I was a good 800m runner in 8th gr. until my coach told me I had to choose High Jump or 800. I choose High Jump because it is what I love to do, then I just worked like crazy to become good.

 

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

I didn't really have much for obstacles. I broke my nose practicing high jump in 9th gr. and I live out of town so when I was younger and didn't have a vehicle I would bike the 10miles to the track and back to practice, that's about it though. 

 

What will you miss the most?

My Teammates. This year we took home our schools first ever Sub-Section Title, then won the Section Title, and, finally, we won the State title in early June!

 

 

What advice you would give to younger athletes?

Go out of your comfort zone and try some different events. 

 

What are your college plans?