Interview With Molly Reighard



Reighard holding off former Chanhassen star Jedah Caldwell in the 4x200 at the Section 2AA Championships last year (photo provided by Molly Reighard)

First of all, how did you first start doing track?

I was actually a softball player for the majority of my life. However, in eighth grade, my gym teacher (also the varsity track coach) saw me playing kick ball and convinced me to try track for one season. I discovered that I had some talent in sprinting and really fell in love with the sport.

What are all your personal records?

60m- 7.80

100m-11.97

200m- 24.68

400m- 58.07

Long jump- 17' 11"

Do you do, or have you done, any other sports?

I played basketball up until my senior year in order to stay healthy and focus on track (although I am a partner for Unified Basketball this year)

What is your favorite or most memorable competition you've ever been in?

I really enjoy the Hamline Elite Meet. You get to compete against the best athletes in the state in a little more laid back setting. It is very competitive, but they do a good job of making the meet fun and unique.

Who are some of the people that have been most helpful to you as a track athlete?

My parents have had a large impact on me as a runner. They have been encouraging at every stage of my development. When I am down on myself, they are the ones who push me to be my best and tell me the things I need to hear to be better each day.

Waconia is the two-time defending Class AA champion in the 4x200, and you have yourself and two others returning from that team. The state record in the 4x200 is 1:40.08. Do you think your team could beat that time this year?

We still are looking for that 4th girl to run on the relay. If we can find another sprinter I think we definitely have a shot at a third time at the title and possibly beat that record as well.

Who are some of your favorite athletes to compete against?

I enjoyed racing against Jedah Caldwell, we have trained together in the past and became friends during summer track, because she was always very supportive and pushed me to become a better runner. Also, Delaney McLoone because she is always smiling, is one of my favorite people to talk to at conference meets, and is extremely encouraging. 


(Photo provided by Molly Reighard)

What are your main goals for this upcoming season?

I would like to consistently run 11s in the 100m, PR in the 200m, and try either long jump or the 400m more because I have never trained for either event. 

When you've done the 400 or long jump before, has it been more out of necessity, has it been some form of training, or had it been just for fun?

I usually will run the 400 or long jump at conference or true team to get points for my team. The 400 serves as a good workout and I think it really helps build up my strength for the end of my 200. I would like to try long jumping more because I think it is fun and I enjoy it.

Do you have any college plans?

I will be attending and running at Loyola University Chicago this fall.

What were some of the things that you really liked about Loyola that made you want to go there?

Loyola has a beautiful campus right on Lake Michigan and is located in Chicago, where I will have endless things to do. They also have a very strong biology program which made my decision easier because I would like to major in biology. The track team is super friendly and Coach Bob Thurnhoffer made me feel at home; I knew I could fit in on the team.

Do you have any rituals, routines, or superstitions either on or off the track?

Usually before every meet, I will eat a bagel -blueberry or cinnamon- with peanut butter and drink a glass of milk from the same cup.

How did that very specific tradition start?

I am not exactly sure how I started with this superstitious tradition. The bagel with peanut butter did not upset my stomach before races so I just stuck with that, but I continued to use the cup when I ran a really solid meet after using it that morning. The cup happened to have the Chicago skyline, so it must have been a sign to go to Loyola.

When not training or out on the track, what might we find you doing?

I love to be outdoors and you will find me on the lake every chance I have.

Tell me one bizarre fact about yourself.

I can talk in strange voice that sounds like I just sucked in helium, without the helium.