Rhianna with her teammate Jillian Yerges at last fall's XC State Meet (Photo provided by Rhianna Rinke)
First of all, how did you first start running?
I first started running during the summer before seventh grade. I had intended on playing volleyball with my best friend that fall, but plans quickly changed after I went on a couple of runs with my dad. I discovered a passion for running and decided to join cross country, which was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I'm so glad that my parents encouraged me to try it out! Cross country and track have been such wonderful parts of my life and have no doubt made me a better person.
What are all your personal records, including cross country?
1600- 5:00.94
800- 2:18.22
3200- 10:54.42
5k- 19:14.60
Do you do, or have you done, any other sports?
I was in dance when I was really little and I played softball for a few years in elementary school.
What is your favorite or most memorable competition you've ever been in?
I always love competing at State meets and the Hamline Elite meet, but I think the most memorable competition for me was this past cross country State meet. One of my best friends, Jillian Yerges, qualified for State this year which was so exciting. We had a blast and it was definitely a happy and memorable end to my last high school cross country season.
Other than your own teammates, who are some of your favorite athletes to compete against?
I like to compete against all of the girls at the Hamline Elite meet and State meets because it's exciting to have faster competition. I also enjoy competing against girls from nearby towns, because it's cool to keep up with each other throughout the season and see each other improve meet after meet.
Who are some people that have been most helpful to you in your athletic career?
My coaches, family, teammates, and friends have all been extremely helpful to me throughout my athletic career. My coaches are Anna Geary, Paula Johnson, Norm Nagle, and Kathy Robatcek. I've pretty much had the same track and cross country coaches for the past six years. They have watched me grow up and they really have made an impact in my life both on and off the track. My parents are also very supportive and come to my meets to cheer me on as much as possible. My friends and teammates are amazing and have made my athletic career truly special. They come and support me at meets throughout the season and make posters to cheer me on at State. I feel lucky to have these people in my life, they've made my cross country and track experiences unforgettable.
You've been a very good runner for a long time. How have your perspectives, strategies, or attitudes changed since you first started running varsity in 7th grade?
Thank you! So much has changed since when I first started running in 7th grade. I have gained a lot of confidence since then, so that has definitely helped both in racing and life in general. I'm less nervous for races now and go into them with a goal in mind, where as in 7th grade, I was more focused on what my place was or just finishing the race. One way in which my perspective has changed is my appreciation for the sport. I've loved it since my first practice, but I think that I now have a greater appreciation for running and what it has taught me since then. I have also gained a more positive mindset and attitude since I started running in 7th grade. Running has really made me a better leader and has helped me become a more hardworking and determined person.
What are your main goals for this upcoming track season?
I really want to enjoy spending time with my teammates and finish my high school running career on a good note. I would love to break 5:00 in the 1600 this year and run the 800 more often. I never really thought of the 800 as a race that I could be competitive in until last season, so I'm interested to see how I'll do in that event this season. I'm working hard and hoping to qualify for State this year. Another main goal is for my team to compete at the True Team State meet for the fifth year in a row.
Rhianna next to her mom with her coaches Jeremiah LeTourneau, Tom Kingsland, Kathy Robatcek, and Anna Geary behind her (Photo provided by Rhianna Rinke)
Do you have any college plans?
I will be attending the University of Minnesota Duluth. I'm so excited to be a Bulldog and to be continuing my running career at UMD! I'll be competing in cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track.
What were some of the things that drew you toward UMD as your college choice?
When I was thinking about where I wanted to go to college, I thought that I would want to go somewhere far away. However, after really thinking about it, I knew that I wanted to stay in, or close to, Minnesota. UMD is not too far of a drive from North Branch, so I can come home to visit friends, family, and my dogs. I love Duluth, it's such a beautiful city and there's so much to do there. I also liked the girls that I met on the team as well as the coach, Joanna Warmington. During my visits, I could honestly see myself being happy there. It really felt like the right decision after talking with my parents and a few of my friends. It was great to hear them say that they knew it would be a good fit for me.
Do you have any rituals, routines, or superstitions either on or off the track?
I always receive "good luck knucks" (a fist bump for good luck) from my parents, coaches, teammates, and friends before races, both in track and cross country. The distance girls also have a really weird cheer that we do that got started during my sophomore track season, and I've done that before every race since then. Another ritual or routine I have is slapping my hip numbers three times each before races, because three is my favorite number. Our track uniforms also have small numbers on the upper back, and mine is three. Lastly, I run the 4x400 and have a lucky baton that was passed on to me a couple of years ago. The baton was from another girl who ran the 4x400 on my team, and her sister owned it before her. I'll have to pass it on to someone else on my team after my last relay.
Is there any particular reason why three is your favorite number?
There's not really a particular reason, it's just always been my favorite number.
When not running miles or running on ovals, what might we find you doing?
When I'm not running, you'll most likely find me spending time with family and friends, enjoying the outdoors, eating, or doing something crafty/creative.
What types of crafty and creative things?
Mostly painting or making cards/gifts. I love to make gifts for people, whether it's for their birthdays, Christmas, or good luck before meets.
Tell me one bizarre fact about yourself.
One interesting fact about myself is how I got my name. My mom is a big fan of Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac, and their song Rhiannon was an inspiration for my name.