Kaia Sueker of Marshall Class of 2019
Personal Records
800m - 2:19.80
1600m - 5:10.37
5K (xc) - 18:24.80
State XC 2017 - 51st; Our team finished 7th in AA.
State XC 2016 - 28th; Our team finished 4th in AA.
State XC 2015 - 27th; Our team finished 2nd in AA.
State Track 2017 - 1600m, 12th; 4x800 5th
State Track 2016 - 1600m, 15th; 4x800 12th (our team dropped the baton)
What sports did you grow up playing and which ones did you play in high school?
I grew up playing elementary school volleyball, JO volleyball, basketball, AAU basketball, softball, golf, and I also was in almost all types of dance and gymnastics. As far as important value of other sports, I feel that my involvement in other sports has taught me the value of hard work and determination; mental toughness; the importance of teamwork; sportsmanship; and giving full effort. I love to compete.
How many letters have you earned?
In high school, I play/run:
Cross Country: 3 varsity letters (I lettered as a freshman, sophomore, and this year as a junior)
Volleyball: 2 varsity letters (I lettered as a freshman and sophomore.) I am not playing volleyball my junior year.
Basketball: 2 varsity letters so far (I lettered as a freshman and sophomore.) I am the point guard on our team. We made it to the state tournament my freshman year.
Track & Field: 3 varsity letters so far (I lettered as an 8th grader, freshman, and sophomore.)
Why did you become a runner?
I started running differently than many. I do not come from a family of runners. Toward the end of my 7th grade year, my mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Instead of doing traveling softball that year, I decided to join our middle school track program as it was held at my school. My family would not be able to transport me places with my mom's illness, so track was a convenient option. I found out I liked it. I never went back to softball. I ran varsity track as an 8th grader.
The summer before my freshman year, the Cross Country coach asked me if I might consider running cross country part-time, around varsity volleyball. I decided to give it a try. My freshman and sophomore years, I did most of my CC training on my own. I ran with the team over the summer, and then during HS volleyball season I would primarily run/train on my own. My dad would bike with me, or I would meet Coach Sample after volleyball practice to do a CC workout.
How did it feel to win the conference meet this year as a team? What happened during that race?
It felt great to win the conference meet! Winning the conference is one of our team goals for the season. The St. Peter course is very tough. I think it prepares us well mentally and physically for sections at Gale Woods.
How did things go in the Section 2AA Meet this year?
Our team qualified for the state meet, and I finished in 7th place in the meet. I like to go out hard so what I did is to sprint the first 50 meters or so until I was in the lead. Then I led the race for the first 2 miles. Unfortunately the wind got to me and I had to slow down a bit. Then shortly after 2 miles Heidi Schmidt of Willmar put in a little surge and then went on to win the race. I tried to stick with the next group of eight or so girls and then got a second wind with about 800 meters left and finished strong. Kaleesa Houston of Waconia finished second and the top three teams finished like this: Willmar 50, Marshall 53, and Shakopee 84.
What Marshall runners from the past have inspired you as a runner?
Jackie Turner and Claire Boersma have inspired me greatly. They've been extraordinary examples of what it means to be a great role model and leader.
Give us a description of your training over the years. Have you changed what you have done from year to year?
This is a tough question, as this is the first year I have trained full time for cross country. My training was minimal the past two seasons compared to what the rest of my team was doing (because my first two years of cross country I was also playing volleyball at the same time). I am still adjusting to this increase in mileage.
What mistakes do you see beginning runners make? What would you say to them?
The biggest mistake I see runners in general make is letting the mental aspect of the sport get to you. The best thing you can do is to believe in yourself and get out there, get after it, and do the best that you can.
Do you have a favorite workout?
I enjoy when we run hills out at Camden State Park because of the nature aspect and how beautiful it is out there.
Do you do any sprint training or do you prefer to stick to speed endurance workouts?
We alternate doing longer workouts where we might run 800s, with doing shorter ones like at 400 meters. I do not have a preference for which ones we do. I enjoy all of our practices!
Who are your favorite athletes? (From any sport) Why?
My brother, Mitchell Sueker is one of my favorite athletes. He is a freshman at South Dakota Mines & Technology in Rapid City, SD. He is majoring in electrical engineering and plays basketball. In high school he missed his junior year of basketball due to a foot injury. He had to battle back through a lot of adversity. He is very dedicated and disciplined.
My dad Erik Sueker, was a college football player, and my mom Carrie Sueker, played college basketball and volleyball.
Lindsey Whalen - It's pretty cool that she is from Hutchinson, MN, and played for the Gophers, and now the Lynx. She is a true Minnesotan.
What spikes, shoes, apparel, etc. do you wear?
I wear Brooks running shoes, which are my favorite brand for an everyday running shoe. I also wear Saucony spikes for races.
What is your diet like?
I try to eat a good healthy diet and avoid sweets. I also make sure that I am staying hydrated by carrying a water bottle around with me.
Tell us about your race strategy?
I think I can learn a lot in terms of race strategy. In general, I feel at my best and am most comfortable when I go out fast. If I want to compete with the top runners, I need to get out there and run with them.
Do you have any plans for after high school?
I would like to run in college; or even play basketball. I guess I will just see where things take me. I have gotten letters from all three divisions.
Who coaches Marshall in cross country?
Marie Sample, Samantha Tauer, and Alex Soldheim - Our coaches are very positive and care about us as individuals, too. Some days all of the coaches run with us. Sometimes Marie Sample uses a car to encourage all the groups. She can get around better that way rather than run with just a one group.
What else are you willing to share with Milesplit?
Another interesting story is about our conference meet last year, when I was a sophomore. I was on two conference championship teams on the same day! The CC conference meet was in Worthington. We won the meet with a perfect score. After the race was over, I hopped in our car and my parents quickly drove me back to Marshall. I then played in the conference championship volleyball match.
My current GPA is 3.917; I also play the violin in orchestra, and I play percussion in band and in winter drumline. I have been our class president since 9th grade.
During my Sophomore year, I was academic all-state in cross country. I am in Link Crew. I am also a student ambassador. A student ambassador helps welcome new students and helps them transition to a new school.
My favorite saying is "Be Strong and Courageous." This is taken from my favorite bible verse, Joshua 1:9, which was printed on the back of the t-shirts we made when my mom had cancer.
