Jordyn Sterud
Lac qui Parle Valley High School
Personal Records:
400 meters: 1:05 (split)
800 meters: 2:25 (split)
1600 meters: 5:32
3200 meters: 12:01
5k: 19:49
How did you get started as a track or cross country athlete?
I ran the mile in seventh grade and noticed that my time was fast enough to join the cross country team. I joined cross country my eighth grade year thanks to all of the upperclassmen who encouraged me to try it. I really enjoyed cross country my first year and so I decided to make the switch from softball to track that spring.
What was your most memorable competition?
My most memorable competition was at the section meet of my eighth grade year because our team was young and we had a lot of competition and a close battle with many other teams. That is the year that we went on to take second place at State as a team. My most memorable competition in track was when we took sixth place at State in the 4x800, and set our school record. Another memorable competition was when we were in the first heat of the 4x800 at the State meet and we took eighth place.
Who are your biggest competitors in your track/cross country careers?
Over the years the girls on the Canby and Luverne cross country and track teams have always been my biggest competitors.
What was your greatest accomplishment as a track/cross country athlete?
My greatest accomplishment was helping my team make it to the State cross country meet for 5 years, and individually for 3 years, as well as to the State track meet for 3 years in the 4x800. I was fortunate to be part of such hard working teams where we all pushed and supported each other. My greatest accomplishment in cross country this past season was consistently breaking twenty minutes. I also enjoyed the challenge of running the 1 mile, 2 mile, and 4x400 combination at the same meets.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your track/cross country high school?
I would've tried the two mile at a younger age. I also would've tried to stay in better running shape during basketball season.
How have your coaches been an influence to you as an athlete and a person?
All of my coaches have been so encouraging, always pushing me and my teammates to do our best, and they always believe in us. They always remind us to work hard, but they also show us to have fun. I have been so thankful to have had coaches who have made such a positive impact on my life. My coaches helped teach me how to believe in myself and how to persevere through hard circumstances. I'm so thankful for all they have done throughout all my years of being on the team.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
My junior year I dealt with a vitamin D deficiency, once it was treated I felt much better. I've also dealt with a few sprains that I was fortunate to recover from fairly quickly.
What will you miss the most about high school track/xc?
I will greatly miss the family part of my team, and all of my teammates throughout the years who made it so memorable. I will also miss running against all of the competitors who have become friends.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
Always do the hard work because it will benefit you later on, and have fun throughout the process!
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will attend Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota. I plan to major in elementary education and am excited to be running on the cross country and track teams!
Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
I would like to say thank you to all of my family members who always encourage and support me, couldn't do it without them! I would also like to thank all of my coaches for believing in me, teammates for pushing me to be my best, friends for all of their support, and competitors.
