With the Blacksburg and Hidden Valley girls making the trip today to Portland, Oregon to compete this weekend at the Nike Cross Nationals, MileStat.com releases a feature including the top 7 runners of each team filling out a questionnaire survey to get to know better each team and their team members.
MileSplit US will have on-site coverage with photos, videos, and interviews.
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Blacksburg Girls
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Hidden Valley Girls
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1. Kathleen Stevens
How many years have you been running? 4
What was your best race this season? NXN Southeast Regionals What was the team's best race of the season? NXN SE Regionals What was your best workout this season? Two mile time trial 10:44 10 min rest one mile time trial-5:07
What is your favorite saying by your coach? "Would you rather say I had a good doughnut, or I ran a good race."
What is your favorite cross country course? Great Meadows
List your superlatives for each member of the team's top 7 (most likely to, etc)? Leah-Most likely to help an animal Sarah-Most likely to be flirting Hannah-Most likely to win a 100 Joanna-most likely to tell me what to do Tazzy-Most likely to get married straight out of highs school Cate- Most likely to win a triathlon
Who is the biggest MileStat addict on the team? Joanna
What running shoes do you train in? Adidas Salivations
What is your current GPA? 4.19
What has been your most memorable moment this cross country season? Receiving the picture of myself crossing the finish line at states. What were your first thoughts when you realized that your team had qualified for Nike Cross Nationals? Sweet now I don't have to be with just Joanna!
Which was more meaningful to you...team winning the state title or the team qualifying for NXN? Team winning the state title. What are your most looking forward to in Portland? Free stuff! |
1. Annie LeHardy
How many years have you been running? I've been running for 5 years competively in a school (7th grade). Why did you first start running? My family runs and it made me interested in it along with fun races like the jingle bell 5K.
What was your best race this season? So far my best race has been NXN Southeast where I ran 18:08. What was the team's best race of the season? I believe the best race we've had as a team was the Nike South race in Texas. Although it wasn't fast times, we felt great. What was your best workout this season? My best workout was probably when we did multiple 800s, I can't remember the number we did, but we did 300s along with it I believe. What is your favorite saying by your coach? My favorite saying by coach would be "Lets go girls!" in the middle of the race. What is your favorite cross country course? Favorite XC course so far has been Hagan Stone. List your superlatives for each member of the team's top 7 (most likely to, etc)? Haley Cutright: most likely to be on the U.S. olympic team for any sport Lindsay Skolrood: most likely to be the most lovable girl in the world. Greta Weidner: most likely to develop her own fashion store MC Sowder: most likely to be a lab researcher Carolyn Bethal: most likely to be a strong leader Claire Sibley: most likely to be a peacemaker
Who is the biggest MileStat addict on the team? MC Sowder is probably is the biggest MileStat addict.
Who is the biggest Facebook addict on the team? Everyone is usually on facebook the same amount at night after practice. What running shoes do you train in? I am currently training in Mizunos but I like Brooks as well. What spikes do you race in? I race in Nike spikes, but I've switched it up to anything thats comfortable. What is your current GPA? 4.0 What do you want to be when your older (job)? I've had ideas about being a pilot or a French interpreter but I'm really undecided! Who is your favorite band or artist? I like a variety of bands including Shakira, Lady Gaga, Coldplay, Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc. What are your favorite TV shows? That 70s Show, Gilmore Girls Favorite movies? Harry potter 2, 4, 6, Pearl Harbor, Cinderella Story, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, How the Grinch Stole Christmas Favorite quote? "Only you make make yourself feel inferior to others" -Eleanor Roosevelt Who are your favorite sports teams? The Redskins! What is the hardest class that you ever took? A mathematics class. What are your hobbies outside of running? Outside of running I enjoy piano and vocal lessons along with hanging out with friends and family. Name a random fact about yourself or talent that you have? I'm left handed. What has been your most memorable moment this cross country season? Most memorable moment would be the start of this year's state XC race. What were your first thoughts when you realized that your team had qualified for Nike Cross Nationals? First thought when I realized we'd made it was "huge sigh of relief".
Which was more meaningful to you...team winning the state title or the team qualifying for NXN? I think winning state is pretty prestigious, it's something that can not be taken away from us and will be cherished for the rest of our lives. What are your most looking forward to in Portland? I'm looking forward to just experiencing Nike Nationals, being around the best teams in the Nation and enjoying the time spent with my girls. |
2. Joanna Stevens
How many years have you been running? 3 and a half Why did you first start running? Technically freshman year XC districts/regions/states but didn't start practicing till freshman year indoor, What was your best race this season? imma go with nike southeast regionals What was the team's best race of the season? NXN SE Regionals What was your best workout this season? In a practice time trial, I broke the school record in the 2 mile with a 10:40 and then ran a 5:08 mile. What is your favorite saying by your coach? Lh gosh what is not James favorite saying. Im pretty sure he covers everything. Everyday. What is your favorite cross country course? Great Meadows in Warrenton probably, but not a huge fan of any course really (laughing). List your superlatives for each member of the team's top 7 (most likely to, etc)? Kathleen-Most likely to be texting Sarah- Most likely to do/say something asian Hannah- Most Jacked Tazzy- Most Admired Hair Kate- Most well-rounded athlete
Who is the biggest MileStat addict on the team? I'm going with Kathleen and I as a tie for being on at least twice a day Who is the biggest Facebook addict on the team? Definitely Sarah Dorrell. James has criticized her multiple times for being on past her should be bedtime. What running shoes do you train in? Brooks Adrenalines What spikes do you race in? Nike Victorys!! Best spikes ever! What is your current GPA? 4.1 What do you want to be when your older (job)? Something to do with business management. I think. Who is your favorite band or artist? Goodness. I'm going to have to go with Jason Mraz or Blink 182. What are your favorite TV shows? Fresh Prince, 24, and anything on the Food Network. Favorite movies? Lord of the Rings, Mean Girls, The Lion King, Slumdog Millionaire Favorite quote? "I can do everything through the Lord who gives me strength". Who are your favorite sports teams? Tech Hokies, duh (laughing). What is the hardest class that you ever took? AP Calculus
What are your hobbies outside of running? Eating ice cream and shopping. Name a random fact about yourself or talent that you have? I can roll my stomach. What has been your most memorable moment this cross country season? Probably everything about the state meet (boys winning and the individual times for Kathleen and I). What were your first thoughts when you realized that your team had qualified for Nike Cross Nationals? Sweet! Now Kathleen and me will not be losers without a team and how much freaking fun we are gonna have! Which was more meaningful to you...team winning the state title or the team qualifying for NXN? Definitely state title. What are your most looking forward to in Portland? The food and meeting new people! |
2. Haley Cutright
How many years have you been running? Why did you first start running? Annie LeHardy actually introduced me to running. She always talked about cross country and how much fun it is. So I decided that I would give it a try. I also wanted to get in shape for soccer season.
What was your best race this season?
What was the team's best race of the season? I think the team's overall best race would be either regionals or state. What was your best workout this season? What is your favorite saying by your coach? What is your favorite cross country course? List your superlatives for each member of the team's top 7 (most likely to, etc)? Annie LeHardy: most likely to have to go to the bathroom Claire Sibley: most likely to eat a lot before races and still do amazing Lindsay Skoolrood: most likely to fall MC Sowder: most likely to ask too many questions Carolyn Bethal: most likely to give the entire team a back massage
Who is the biggest MileStat addict on the team? MC Sowder
What running shoes do you train in? Asics
What spikes do you race in? I think the same brand? I really don't know. What is your current GPA? 3.5ish What do you want to be when your older (job)? I have absolutely no idea. Who is your favorite band or artist? Jack Johnson What are your favorite TV shows? Grey's Anatomy
Favorite quote? "The vision of a champion is bent over, drenched in sweat, at the point of exhaustion, when nobody else is looking.” Mia Hamm I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion.” Mia Hamm
What is the hardest class that you ever took? Chemistry What are your hobbies outside of running? Soccer, reading, scrapbooking, hanging with friends. I love movies!
Name a random fact about yourself or talent that you have? I won an art contest in the 3rd grade and I can't draw to save my life anymore. What has been your most memorable moment this cross country season? The night before states was amazing. We all got in one room and and talked and prayed and watched a video me and Annie made. The atmosphere and just everyone determined and wanting the same goal. I have never experienced anything like it. What were your first thoughts when you realized that your team had qualified for Nike Cross Nationals? Well we were all together at lunch when we heard. We all screamed and made a huge scene at the restaraunt. Well my first thought was I have to call Annie, because she wasn't there (she had family in for the holidays). But honestly I didn't even believe what I was hearing. I probably won't believe we are actually going to nationals until we get on the plane. To work for this so hard, like we have been doing all season, and even after the disappointments of last year, I have never felt lighter in my entire life. All the pressures that I, and the entire team, have been carrying for weeks is finally gone. Which was more meaningful to you...team winning the state title or the team qualifying for NXN? That is a tough call. I would have to say winning the state championship. I mean we worked for the state title for three years. Nationals wasn't even in our radar for until last year. I think we all really wanted state, and anything else would just be a huge bonus. But even after we won state, we didn't feel complete because there was more that we wanted to accomplish. What are your most looking forward to in Portland? I am mostly looking forward to the experience. Just being with our team and going through this together will be amazing and a once in a lifetime opportunity. We are so lucky that we have the privilege of going to Nationals. |
3. Leah Fitchett
How many years have you been running? 4
Why did you first start running? To condition for soccer.
What was your best race this season? NXN SE Regionals
What was the team's best race of the season? NXN SE Regionals
What was your best workout this season? A 3xMile workout we did on the track.
What is your favorite saying by your coach? “Would you rather say you can eat a doughnut, or that you can run a race?”
What is your favorite cross country course? WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC.
List your superlatives for each member of the team's top 7 (most likely to, etc)? Most likely to be the next American Idol –Sarah Dorrell Most likely to be best dressed –Joanna Stevens Most likely to be a great mom –Kate Buss Most likely to be on the food network –Hannah Brown Most likely to be texting –Kathleen Stevens Most likely to be laughing –Tazzy Kaiser
Who is the biggest MileStat addict on the team? Hannah Brown
Who is the biggest Facebook addict on the team? Sarah Dorrell
What running shoes do you train in? Right now Adidas Supernovas, but I also like Brooks Defiance.
What spikes do you race in? Asics for cross country. Brooks for track.
What is your current GPA? 4.08
What do you want to be when your older (job)? Conservation Biologist, or an Environmental Scientist Who is your favorite band or artist? John Mayer What are your favorite TV shows? Criminal Minds, American Idol, The Office
Favorite movies? I can’t pick one!
Who are your favorite sports teams? VA Tech of course!
What is the hardest class that you ever took? AP U.S. History
What are your hobbies outside of running? Like to play piano, read, watch movies, spend time with family and friends.
Name a random fact about yourself or talent that you have? I used to horseback ride.
What has been your most memorable moment this cross country season? Qualifying to go to NXN
What were your first thoughts when you realized that your team had qualified for Nike Cross Nationals? Just pure happiness that we achieved what we had worked so hard for.
Which was more meaningful to you...team winning the state title or the team qualifying for NXN? That’s really hard, but I think NXN, because it was a goal I watched our team meet over all of my years of running. It was something we only dreamed about my first year, and then it slowly became more and more of a reality. At NXN everyone had a good race; we were able to show our true strength, and our ability to bounce back.
What are your most looking forward to in Portland? The race, and meeting new people! |
3. Claire Sibley
How many years have you been running? 3 Why did you first start running? My sophomore year of high school
What was your best race this season? Probably Great America or Nike South
What was the team's best race of the season? I don't know. We've all been running pretty well all season to be honest.
What was your best workout this season? Oh man that's a tough one. I had a really good 800 repeats one day back in September or October. What is your favorite saying by your coach? (Laughing) He has so many. I guess "The only person you can control is yourself, you can't control what anybody else does". What is your favorite cross country course? Blue Demon! I love hilly courses.
List your superlatives for each member of the team's top 7 (most likely to, etc)? Most likely to run until they die: MC Most likely to get married first: Annie Clumsiest: lindsay Most obsessed with twilight: haley Most sarcastic: Greta Person that gives the best back massages!: carolyn
Who is the biggest MileStat addict on the team? MC
Who is the biggest Facebook addict on the team? (Laughing) Probably me or Lindsay.
What running shoes do you train in? Asics
What spikes do you race in? Saucony
What is your current GPA? 4.1
What do you want to be when your older (job)? Absolutely no idea.
Who is your favorite band or artist? I really like Taylor Swift, but my music taste is pretty varied. I usually have like two or three songs from many different artists.
What are your favorite TV shows? There's so many of them! I love Pysch and How I Met Your Mother, but anything funny really and sometimes I love watching reality shows along with Jeopardy.
Favorite movies? Lord of the Rings, any old disney movies, Just Friends.
Favorite quote? This doesn't really apply to running but more to soccer "you'll forget the plays, the shots, and the scores, but you'll never forget your teammates."
Who are your favorite sports teams? I don't really have any; I like watching sports but I'm not dedicated to any certain team.
What is the hardest class that you ever took? Most likely chemistry in 11th grade.
What are your hobbies outside of running? I like playing soccer, watching tv, hanging out with friends, sometimes reading.
Name a random fact about yourself or talent that you have? I can do a pretty good gollum impersonation.
What has been your most memorable moment this cross country season? Definitely winning state! It was such a relief to finally achieve that.
What were your first thoughts when you realized that your team had qualified for Nike Cross Nationals? Well, we were all sitting in Cici's pizza when we found out and we screamed so loud. Everyone in the restaurant stared at us. I guess I was feeling very overwhelmed and excited and shocked and so many other emotions at the same time.
Which was more meaningful to you...team winning the state title or the team qualifying for NXN? Definitely winning the state title because that was our main goal all along. Going to nationals is going to be an amazing experience, but I don't think anything could compare to winning state.
What are your most looking forward to in Portland? My coach would like for me to say running, but i'm just looking forward to having the most fun possible since this is my last cross country trip and meet ever. |
4. Sarah Dorrell
How many years have you been running? I ran cross country in 8th grade and middle school track (if that counts).
Why did you first start running? Kind of a family tradition. I never really asked myself that.
What was your best race this season? My best time was from this past weekend at Nike Southeast, but I think the race that I felt the best was the first meet of the season at Great Meadows.
What was the team's best race of the season? This past weekend every single one of the girls on the team PRed and we had great races across the board.
What was your best workout this season? I can't really remember. I PRed my mile in one of them (not the most impressive task, but I thought it was neat), but the following intervals weren't the best.
What is your favorite saying by your coach? Oh I couldn't pick just one. On being asked if rules said entries specifically had to be human "That's stupid. Horses could never pass the 5 necessary classes and monkeys just have NO endurance." "Anyone can eat a doughnut." And one time Peter had icicles coming out of his nose and facial hair and James said "Oh, that's totally normal this time of year."
What is your favorite cross country course? Great Meadows is usually a good one for me, I'd like the region course a lot if I had run well there I think, that one was really pretty.
List your superlatives for each member of the team's top 7 (most likely to, etc)? Kathleen: She's going to marry rich, and have a not-so time consuming job so she can shop lots. Joanna: I'm not sure, but something really successful. Leah: A dang good mom. Hannah: She'll be one of those kid's moms who's ridiculously in shape for her age. And a great cook. Tamzin: This one's really stumping me. Some kind of doctor I think? Kate: A professional triathlete
Who is the biggest MileStat addict on the team? Do the boys count?
Who is the biggest Facebook addict on the team? Probably me.
What running shoes do you train in? Brooks Addictions. They're actually bricks disguised as running shoes.
What spikes do you race in? I don't know, they're boy spikes though.
What is your current GPA? Honestly, I don't know. 3.9?
What do you want to be when your older (job)? Something where I can travel? And help people, as cliche as that sounds.
Who is your favorite band or artist? Oh goodness. What's with all these questions I don't know answers to? I'll listen to anything for the most part.
What are your favorite TV shows? The Office is quality, I don't watch TV that much though.
Favorite movies? Singing in the Rain, Braveheart, A Walk to Remember
Favorite quote? The Bible has a good few. I like 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 "Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete but only one receives the prize? Run so that you may obtain it. They run to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air, but I punish my body and make it my slave, lest in the end, after preaching to other I myself should not be disqualified." I probably could've picked a shorter one.
Who are your favorite sports teams? Blacksburg High School Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track teams probably.
What is the hardest class that you ever took? Small Animal Care was actually a lot harder than it sounds. But seriously, AP Calc and Japanese are kinda difficult.
What are your hobbies outside of running? I plan on becoming really accomplished at piano. I'm working on it.
Name a random fact about yourself or talent that you have? I know Morse Code. Also, I have a gift for finding four-leaf clovers, not to brag.
What has been your most memorable moment this cross country season? I think I'll remember my finish at States for a good long while... but a positive one would be finding out that we made it to Oregon!
What were your first thoughts when you realized that your team had qualified for Nike Cross Nationals? I don't know how to answer this one without sounding stupid. Something along the lines of "YESSS!"
Which was more meaningful to you...team winning the state title or the team qualifying for NXN? I wouldn't know... we didn't win the state title. Thanks for the reminder of that Brandon. Just kidding, NXN is going to be super, but winning on a tie breaker last year was also one of the best feelings in the world. I couldn't say. This season has an obvious choice.
What are your most looking forward to in Portland? Winning. |
4. Carolyn Bethal
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5. Hannah Brown
How many years have you been running? 2 years
Why did you first start running? For soccer, but once i started running, I never went back to soccer.
What was your best race this season? NXN Regionals
What was the team's best race of the season? NXN Regionals, every single girl PRed!
What was your best workout this season? 4x1000
What is your favorite saying by your coach? "I love you guys!" (Provoking an "AWWW" in response from the team!)
What is your favorite cross country course? VMI
List your superlatives for each member of the team's top 7 (most likely to, etc)? Joanna- most likely to be a CEO Kathleen- most likely to eat a brownie pie by herself Leah-most likely to be a PTA mom Sarah- most likely to find a four leaf clover, Kate-most likely to win (MORE!) triathalons Tazzy-most likely to get lost
Who is the biggest Facebook addict on the team? Sarah
What running shoes do you train in? Brooks Adrenaline's
What spikes do you race in? New Balance 1005's
What is your current GPA? 4.05
What do you want to be when your older (job)? I dread this question because I have absolutely no idea!
Who is your favorite band or artist? Nevershoutnever!
What are your favorite TV shows? The Office and Jonas
Favorite movies? Breakfast at Tiffany's
Who are your favorite sports teams? Virginia Tech, and of course, the Blacksburg Bruins!
What is the hardest class that you ever took? AP Euro (in progress)
What are your hobbies outside of running? Picnicing, thrifting, sewing, cooking, eating, adventuring, developing housewife skills, and hanging out with all my wonderful friends!
Name a random fact about yourself or talent that you have? I know morse code.
What has been your most memorable moment this cross country season? My most memorable moment this season would have to when our boys won states, it was a great and well deserved ending to the state meet!
What were your first thoughts when you realized that your team had qualified for Nike Cross Nationals? This is finally happening. We have been working for this since last year and finally, it happened!
Which was more meaningful to you...team winning the state title or the team qualifying for NXN? NXN will probably be more memorable for me because states was just a blur and, obviously, we were all unhappy with the results. NXN was a really nice close to the season where we all just finally ran like we knew we could and came together.
What are your most looking forward to in Portland? Oh gosh! Everything? |
5. Mary Catherine Sowder
How many years have you been running? 4 years, started summer before freshman year.
Why did you first start running? My friend from South Carolina was talking to me about how she was going to run cross country, which is when it occurred to me that I could run as well in order to get in shape for soccer.
What was your best race this season? Nike Southeast Regional What was the team's best race of the season? NXN SE Regionals
What was your best workout this season? 1000 repeats we did the weekend after we raced in Texas.
What is your favorite saying by your coach? “You’ve got to believe in the training and run your race”.
What is your favorite cross country course? Either WakeMed (because its fast and flat) or Hagan Stone (its all in the woods and rolling).
List your superlatives for each member of the team's top 7 (most likely to, etc)? Claire-most likely to procrastinate Greta-most likely to be princess Carolyn-most likely to help in times of need Haley-most likely to do something crazy Annie-most likely to always dress and look cute Lindsay-most likely to trip or fall over anything in her way
Who is the biggest MileStat addict on the team? Me
Who is the biggest Facebook addict on the team? Lindsay
What running shoes do you train in? Mizuno Wave Inspire
What spikes do you race in? Saucony Shay XC
What is your current GPA? 4.29
What do you want to be when your older (job)? Pediatrician
Who is your favorite band or artist? Don’t really have one, I like all types of music depending on my mood.
What are your favorite TV shows? Full House, The Biggest Loser, but I honestly can not find much time to watch TV.
Favorite movies? The Notebook
Favorite quote? Isaiah 40:31 “They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”
Who are your favorite sports teams? Virginia Tech Hokies
What is the hardest class that you ever took? Spanish 4
What are your hobbies outside of running? Swimming, hanging out with friends, reading, leading a 1st grade small group at church.
Name a random fact about yourself or talent that you have? I like to knit. I’ve made my own scarves, slippers, mittens, and I’m currently working on a purse and a hat!
What has been your most memorable moment this cross country season? Having Coach telling us that we had won the state title.
What were your first thoughts when you realized that your team had qualified for Nike Cross Nationals? I could barely contain myself, I was extremely excited. Just thinking back about how far we’ve come, it was so humbling to believe we had made it.
Which was more meaningful to you...team winning the state title or the team qualifying for NXN? Probably the state title, because we had a disappointing loss the year before, and wanted to come back to achieve that goal. Qualifying for NXN was just icing on the cake, it made a great season even better.
What are your most looking forward to in Portland? Meeting other runners, racing in the most competitive race of my life, and making memories that I won’t ever forget! |
6. Kate Buss
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6. Lindsay Skolrood
How many years have you been running? This is my fourth year running.
Why did you first start running? I began running because Mary Catherine Sowder, another senior on the team, said she was interested in doing it. We first got the idea to get in shape for soccer, but we both ended up liking running more.
What was your best race this season? My best race this season would have to be regionals. We ran a 2.88 mile course at Abindgon and I got 9th in that race with a time of 19:09.
What was the team's best race of the season? I think that our team's best race of the season was definitely the state meet. It was great to win, and everyone performed their best.
What was your best workout this season? My best workout this season would have to be a day when we did 1,000 repeats. It was the first workout I got to wear my spikes, so my legs felt fast and fresh.
What is your favorite saying by your coach? That's a tough question to answer about my favorite quote from coach. He is always cracking jokes, but he often says that we have to run hills "until the cows come home."
What is your favorite cross country course? My favorite course would have to be the Woodlands course that we raced on in Texas.
List your superlatives for each member of the team's top 7 (most likely to, etc)?
Haley Cutright- Most likely to shatter glass with her loud scream Annie LeHardy- Most likely to fall in love Greta Weidner- Most sarcastic Carolyn Bethel- Most helpful MC Sowder- Most likely to panic
Who is the biggest MileStat addict on the team? Mary Catherine Sowder is the biggest Milestat addict; she's always on.
Who is the biggest Facebook addict on the team? The biggest facebook addict would have to be either me or Claire Sibley. I have a huge problem with checking it all the time.
What running shoes do you train in? I train in Asics.
What spikes do you race in? I wear Saucony spikes.
What is your current GPA? 4.0426
What do you want to be when your older (job)? I'm not one hundred percent sure what I want to do as a job. I've always wanted to be a journalist because I love to write or a teacher because I also love little kids.
Who is your favorite band or artist? I'm a little ashamed to say this, but my favorite band would have to be the Jonas Brothers. I went to their concert in Charlotte, NC the week before senior year started.
What are your favorite TV shows? The Office, Say Yes to the Dress, Jon and Kate Plus Eight
Favorite movies? There's too many to count! I am a personal fan of the Princess Bride and A Cinderella Story.
Favorite quote? Isaiah 40:31: but those who hope in the LORD
Who are your favorite sports teams? Hokies football team!
What is the hardest class that you ever took? My AP calculus class I'm taking right now. There is just a lot of homework and extra work involved.
What are your hobbies outside of running? I also dive for our school and train at Tech with the their diving coach there. I also love to hike, go camping, read cheesy love stories, and write poems.
Name a random fact about yourself or talent that you have? I'm the first girl in Hidden Valley cross country to have gone to state four years in a row.
What has been your most memorable moment this cross country season? Definitely when Coach King told us we had won state. I thought we had lost for sure, and it was a huge change of emotions. When he told us we had won, I couldn't contain my excitement! Finally we had done it!
What were your first thoughts when you realized that your team had qualified for Nike Cross Nationals? I was shocked! I texted everyone I knew because last year, we waited to get the call, but we never did. This year, we had made it! God really has blessed Hidden Valley this season. Coach reminded us that we were going there to race, and we still had a job to get done.
Which was more meaningful to you...team winning the state title or the team qualifying for NXN? Both are awesome memories and are once in a lifetime opportunities. I wouldn't take one over the other. Although, our main goal of the season was to win state. After tying for first last year, I definitely think that getting the state title was the most rewarding. Going to nationals is just an added bonus that I'm definitely grateful for.
What are your most looking forward to in Portland? I cannot wait to travel across the country and get to stay on the Nike campus. I want to race well, but also have a good time in such an amazing place. |
7. Tazzy Kaiser
How many years have you been running? A little over three.
Why did you first start running? Because my soccer coach told me I was fast.
What was your best race this season? The very first race.
What was the team's best race of the season? Either Maymont of Great Meadows invite.
What was your best workout this season? 3xmile
What is your favorite saying by your coach? "If you're hurting then you know you're running right"
What is your favorite cross country course? The state course.
List your superlatives for each member of the team's top 7 (most likely to, etc)? Kathleen is most likely to leave school at twelve for a four o clock appointment. Joanna is most likely to succeed independently Sarah is most likely to be a house wife. Leah is most likely to be a caring mother. Kate is most likely to win a huge triathlon
Who is the biggest MileStat addict on the team? Hannah
Who is the biggest Facebook addict on the team? Sarah
What running shoes do you train in? New Balance energy
What spikes do you race in? Killkennys
What is your current GPA? 4.0
What do you want to be when your older (job)? Architect
Who is your favorite band or artist? Owl City
What are your favorite TV shows? SpongeBob, Full house, Gilmore girls, grays anatomy
Favorite quote? "Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve. It doesn't matter whether you're a lion or gazelle - when the sun comes up, you'd better be running."
Who are your favorite sports teams? Duke basketball
What is the hardest class that you ever took? AP english.
What are your hobbies outside of running? Horseback riding.
Name a random fact about yourself or talent that you have? I have a great talent of being distracted.
What has been your most memorable moment this cross country season? After districts; I had an awful race and Hannah waited until I was done then walked with me and helped calm me down.
What were your first thoughts when you realized that your team had qualified for Nike Cross Nationals? I was really excited but it hadn't really sunk it yet.
Which was more meaningful to you...team winning the state title or the team qualifying for NXN? NTN. That was the main goal, and this trip will be more memorable than a title.
What are your most looking forward to in Portland? Meeting new people! |
7. Greta Weidner
How many years have you been running? Two years.
Why did you first start running? My parents told me to go to the first practice to try it.
What was your best race this season? Great American in Cary (20:10).
What was the team's best race of the season? State Meet
What was your best workout this season? Wednesday before Nike Regionals, Coach brought hay bails to practice to practice running over.
What is your favorite cross country course? Nike Southeast Regional Course in Cary, North Carolina
List your superlatives for each member of the team's top 7 (most likely to, etc)? Annie- be a famous athlete Clarie- marry a big athlete MC-get into an Ivy league school Lindsay- make people smile
Who is the biggest MileStat addict on the team? MC
Who is the biggest Facebook addict on the team? Lindsay
What running shoes do you train in? Saucony
What spikes do you race in? Saucony
What is your current GPA? 3.9
What do you want to be when your older (job)? Architect or Biology related major
Who is your favorite band or artist? Taylor Swift
Favorite movies? He's Just Not That Into You
Favorite quote? "The only thing better than winning is winning big!" Coach Brenda King
Who are your favorite sports teams? Pittsburgh Steelers
What is the hardest class that you ever took? Spanish
What are your hobbies outside of running? Playing socer.
Name a random fact about yourself or talent that you have? I share a birthday with Lindsay, on the team, and my sister. My sister is 2 years younger, so we are not twins!
What has been your most memorable moment this cross country season? When our coach told us we won state by 14 points.
What were your first thoughts when you realized that your team had qualified for Nike Cross Nationals? All the free stuff we get! This will be so much fun!
Which was more meaningful to you...team winning the state title or the team qualifying for NXN? Winning the state title.
What are your most looking forward to in Portland? Spending more time with my team and making memories that will be with me forever. |
With the Blacksburg and Hidden Valley girls making the trip today to Portland, Oregon to compete this weekend at the Nike Cross Nationals, MileStat.com releases a feature including the top 7 runners of each team filling out a questionnaire survey to get to know better each team and their team members.
MileSplit US will have on-site coverage with photos, videos, and interviews.
MileSplit Coverage Page
Live Webcast Link