SPORTS ARE OPENING BACK UP AGAIN MARCH - APRIL 2021 $5.95
JADEN CHATS WITH PRO RUNNER
CRAIG ENGELS
KEEPING UP WITH
JORDYNN WEST
AND HER BELIEVE FOUNDATION
AN INTERVIEW WITH THE AMAZING
JENNA
HUTCHINS GET THE LATEST @ YOUTHRUNNER.COM
YOUTH RUNNING™ | YOUTH TRACK & FIELD™ | YOUTH XC™
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ELITE MIDDLE
SCHOOL
CAMP
EUGENE, OREGON JUNE 25-27TH, 2021 NORTH IDAHO JULY 19-23RD, 2021 MT. HOOD AUGUST 2-6TH, 2021 OPEN TO BOYS & GIRLS ENTERING
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YR MOMENTS FLYING TO WIN ZION GRAHAM FROM THE BLAZING STARS TRACK CLUB SAILS THROUGH THE FINISH LINE IN THE 9-YEAR OLD 100 METER FINAL AT THE AAU JUNIOR OLYMPIC GAMES IN 13.64
KJJ PHOTOGRAPHIC 2 MARCH / APRIL 2021
YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 3
4 MARCH / APRIL 2021
YR CONTENTS: MAR-APR 2021
READY.SET.GO
Vol. 26 Issue 1
8
SHEA ELMORE 8 JENNA HUTCHINS KYLE PETERS FEATURE
24 MEET HIGHLIGHTS
CHECK IT OUT
TRAINING
18
MAX & ZACK CERVI SKINNER AND NORTH IDAHO XC
20
KEEPING UP WITH JORDYNN WEST AND THE BELIEVE FOUNDATION
22
WAY TO GO
26-27
ASK A YOUTH RUNNER COACH
MORE 2-3 YRMOMENTS
GUEST 5 CONTENTS 6 THE EDITOR
LETTER FROM
7 YR BLOGGER
14-15 POSTER
28 COMING UP
YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 5
YR
EDITOR VOLUME 26 ISSUE 1 | MARCH/APRIL 2021 PUBLISHER/EDITOR Dan Kesterson EDITOR AT LARGE Ian Kesterson GUEST EDITOR Cailin Kinas CONTRIBUTING WRITERS, BLOGGERS, AND REPORTERS Cailin Kinas, Noah McMahon, Morgan Boonshaft, Isabella Bravo, Hunter Hurl, Jordynn West, Evan Gonzales, Jaden Merrick, Brandon Pollard, Espen Lehnst, Pat Tyson, Bob Williams, Matt Walsh, Max Huang, Bree May.
Cailin Kinas, Youth Runner Guest Editor
ART DIRECTOR Sean Kesterson
LETTER FROM THE
EDITOR
CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER Rachel Heckerman ON THE COVER Jenna Hutchins
Hello everyone, and happy spring! With the world opening back up and sports under way, things are starting to look a little brighter once again. Outdoor track season (and possibly spring cross country for some) is coming up soon here, and I think it is all super exciting! Although I personally will not get an indoor season this year, I have heard from many friends and fellow runners about their successes indoors. It truly is exciting to hear about all of the great running still going on and the non-school hosted events that are happening all over the world and country. I love spring because the weather is getting warmer, the sun is starting to peek out again, and running becomes
IAN’S NOTES
6 MARCH / APRIL 2021
that much more enjoyable! Since this is my senior year, I can’t wait to see what accomplishments and memories my track season will bring this year. I know you are probably just as excited too! Just remember to stay positive and keep putting one foot in front of the other...you got this! My advice for whatever season you have coming up? Find your joy. What about the sport makes you happy? Whatever it may be, get after it and have some fun! With great passion comes great success. It’s going to be a good one!
CHECK OUT PRO RUNNER CRAIG ENGELS ADVICE FOR YOUNG ATHLETES NOTES
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Smotherman Images, Kyle Peters, Klotz Images, David Sheets, Logan Hannigan-Downs, Eric Ward, Dusty Smith, 100 Mile Club, Tim Healy, AAU, Photo Run, Dave Watt, Dingo Images, Fans. COVER PHOTO David Sheets WEBSITE-DIGITAL-VIDEO Sean Kesterson THANKS TO Pop-up meets, and fire fighters ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP dank@youthrunner.com SUBSCRIPTION RATES US One Year: Print $19.95 Digital $12.95 Subscribe at www.youthrunner.com PUBLISHED BY: Youth Runner Magazine is a registered trademark of GoSportz Media LLC. Published 5 times a year by GoSportz Media, LLC Copyright 2020 all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission. Editorial contributions are welcome, submit queries to editor@Youthrunner.com. Gosportz Media LLC and it’s publisher assumes no liability for the content or opinion of it’s writers or advertisers and reserves the right to reject any advertising at it’s own discretion. Youth Runner recommends that you consult with your coach and your physician on any changes with your training, fitness and health issues.
YOUTH RUNNER
BLOGGERS NOAH’S FAVORITES
Shoes
Color
Noah McMahan 14
Trail
My name is Noah and I am in 9th grade at Incline High School in Nevada. Incline Village is in the mountains, so we get some great elevation trail running. Over the winter it has been a bit hard to train so I’ve been training on the roads and the treadmill because of the snow that covers the trails. I have also been doing a bit of snowshoe running & Nordic skiing for cross-training. I am looking forward to the summer and spring because then the running trails will melt off and I can run on them every day. Running is the best and it always motivates me. My favorite running trail that I like to run on all the time is called Incline Village Flume. The trail is flat but it is also long and fun. From my house, I can get there really fast, it’s just 2 miles away. From where I live to one of the end spots I go to sometimes is 11-12 miles. There is a lot of wildlife around my house. I was one time running with my little brother on the trails behind my house, and we were on our way down, almost into the neighborhood. When we went around a tree, and right there, there was a bear. We went around the bear and ran home. It was cool to see a bear so close up,
although it was a bit scary. I have also seen bobcats, coyotes, and deer on my runs. When my dad was running on the trails that are by my house, he spotted a mountain lion. All of the wildlife around here is scared of people so they will not harm you. Running is great for me and it makes me happy. This school year we have had a hybrid school model. You go in one day, and the next day you are home on zooms. I like going in every day because I can get more help and ask questions. So my school year has been pretty good for me.
ALL XC Course
Pre-Race Meal
WHAT ARE NOAH’S
FAVORITES?
Shoes - Nike Pegasus Color - Blue Trail - The Incline Flume XC Course - All of them Pre-Race Meal - Pizza Music - Don’t listen when I run
Music
TAG PHOTOS #YOUTHRUNNER YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 7
THE AMAZING
JENNA
HUTCHINS
IT WAS QUITE A YEAR FOR JENNA IN 2020. SHE BECAME THE FIRST HIGH SCHOOLER TO BREAK SUB 16:00 (15:58) IN A 5K CROSS COUNTRY RACE AND BROKE THE U20 5K OUTDOOR RECORD WITH A TIME OF 15:34. SHE HAD AN UNDEFEATED XC SEASON AND SET NEW COURSE/VENTURE RECORDS IN TENNESSEE, ALABAMA, AND GEORGIA. SHE IS ALSO THE TENNESSEE STATE CHAMPION, RAN A NEW STATE RECORD, AND HAD THE FASTEST XC SPEED RATING IN THE NATION. WE FIRST LEARNED ABOUT JENNA IN 2014 AFTER SHE SET A TENNESSEE STATE 10K RECORD IN THE 9-UNDER AGE GROUP.
YR: Hi Jenna, after all of your success this last year, what do you have your sights set on for this spring and summer? This spring and summer I want to gain other valuable experiences and continue to learn and grow as an athlete. Although I am so grateful for the success I achieved this past fall, I am looking forward to a fresh start and am hoping to improve from past track performances. More than anything, I am excited for all the fun races and training ahead. With all of the wins and course records you broke, how did you keep up the momentum and stay fresh? Is it a desire to win or to continually best yourself or was it just a natural progression of your training and plan? At the beginning of the season, theonly expectations I had for myself was to have fun, try my best, and be a positive role model for others. Every racing experience was a privilege. I 8 MARCH / APRIL 2021
went into every race with gratitude and the desire to test my ultimate limits. I have always had a passion for running, but I think it took on a whole new level this year. I was one hundred percent dialed into trying to do things the right way in terms of training, nutrition, sleep, and other important factors, but I put no pressure on myself which allowed me to enjoy every aspect of the process. This lifestyle keeps me constantly motivated at all times, even during times of hardship or failure. Another way of asking is what motivates you or makes you tick? When it comes to running what are thinking about when you wake up in the morning? As I mentioned previously, running is not always a positive trend forward. There are setbacks, failures, hardships, and other barriers on every runner’s journey to ultimate success. For me, the key to dealing with this is to remain calm, remember why you love
the sport so much, thank the support surrounding you, and stay consistent. No one’s training or racing will ever be perfect and it’s important to remember that these trials are what make you come out stronger on the other side. I always tell myself how lucky I am to get the opportunities I have received and try to use positive thinking, even in a negative circumstance. I have always loved running and am motivated to become the best possible version of myself I can be. I enjoy putting in the work. I enjoy being challenged. I put so much time and dedication into my sport. Since it is something I care so deeply about, nothing is a sacrifice for me. Working hard for something I love so much is fun. It is what I live for. I am grateful for the ups and downs that come along with it and love finding out so much more about myself through the process.
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How do you manage a race that didn’t go as planned? Having a race result that you are dissatisfied with can be extremely disappointing, especially when you know you are capable of so much more. I have had to significantly change my way of thinking during these situations. Instead of dwelling on the negativity and getting upset as I did in the past, I now use the experience to excite me for the next race and opportunity to prove myself. Although I still may be upset, I take a few minutes to reflect on the experience, use it as a learning experience and move on to the next adventure. Any race you can point to that was a big disappointment? I have many races that didn’t go as planned. At Brooks P.R. My freshman year, I fell 600 meters before the finish line in a crowded field of talented athletes, finishing last. Also, my sophomore year, I was sick at the TN state XC Championships. I felt terrible and ending up falling a few meters before the finish line, finishing 3rd. How did you get over it mentally and what did you learn from that race? The thing to take away from both of these experiences though was that this was not the end for me. After Brooks P.R., I got a chance to recover and had a great XC season the next fall. As for the state XC meet, just a few weeks later I won Footlocker South and went on to finish 5th at nationals. I was able to learn that failure and bad races are inevitable, but it is just a part of the process and can lead to a new door opening for even greater future success. What about race day, how do you get prepared for the start line? Any rituals or things you do the same every time? Music, lucky socks? I listen to music, rehearse the race in my head, and always wear my sparkly headband for good luck!
10 MARCH / APRIL 2021
Take us through a week during the heat of the season, when there is a big race every week. Let’s say Saturday. What would your rest and training be like the following Sunday - Friday? The Friday before a race I normally do an easy run with any additional strides, drills, stretches or any other mental preparation I need to feel ready! The Sunday following a big race just depends on the length and intensity of that race. Cross-training or a run my coach assigns are both options. Specifically, how do you recover from a big race? I reflect on the experience, roll out, take an Epsom salt bath, hydrate and make sure to fuel well. All for optimal recovery! What about sleep? How many hours per night do you get? Do you take naps? How important is sleep to your training? Sleep is one of the most important parts of my training. I get at least 9 hours per night and try to include naps whenever time allows during the day. I am asleep most nights between 8 and 9 PM and rise between 5:30-6 AM. Are there foods you stay away from, do you have a special diet or anything goes? Some athletes go through the drive-through every day and others are vegetarian. How does it work for you? No, I think every food is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle as both a runner and a person. It is important to eat well-balanced meals to get in all essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Although I eat mostly Whole Foods with lots of protein, grains, fruits, and veggies, I never shy away from pizza, ice cream, desserts, or any other fun foods when the occasion arises. More importantly than anything for any athlete, I always make sure that eat enough to fuel my activity. More is always better than less!
What do you eat the night before a race and the morning of? Pre-race I normally enjoy pasta with chicken or shrimp and sauce, bread, and a side salad. Race morning I stick to oatmeal with a banana and honey. I also include nuts, peanut butter, or both! Tell us about your best race experience and accomplishment from this last fall. The highlight of this past season for me was the Running Lane XC Championships in Huntsville, AL. Everything seemed to fall perfectly into place for me. This race meant a lot to me because it was very unexpected. Training had been going exceptionally well, but I had no idea that I was capable of breaking the national record. I felt very smooth, strong, and controlled throughout the whole race and enjoyed spending this whole experience with my family and friends. I was extremely grateful to be out there and made it my objective to have the most fun! Jumping back a bit, how did you get started in running? How old were you? And, tell us about your first race? I started running when I was 6 years old after jogging a bit with my parents around the local track. My first race was a 300-meter fun run at a youth festival during the summer where I finished 3rd. Ever since then I was hooked and became determined to be the best I could be. I always wanted to find my true potential. Were you on a middle school team or youth club before high school? When I lived in Texas from the ages of 10-13, I was a part of a youth running club and also participated in track for my middle school. When we moved back to Tennessee for my 8th-grade year, I also participated in XC and track for my school.
What was your first pair of running shoes? My first pair of running shoes was a pair of Nikes. I was 6 years old, so I can’t remember the model. I now train in the Brooks Hyperion Tempo and enjoy racing in Nike track and XC spikes. How about your life goals besides running? Besides running, I want to be a positive role model for the younger generation of athletes and show how grateful I am for my family, supporters, sport, and opportunities. I would like to continue to learn more about myself and continue to grow into a better person. Your best subject in school or at least what you’re most passionate about? In my studies, I am most interested in exercise/wellness and hope to pursue a degree similar in college. I enjoy learning about bones, muscles, and other bodily functions. I think it is amazing all the human body can do! If you could make one change in the world today, what would that be? If I could make one change in the world today, I would have everyone encompass an accepting and understanding attitude towards other people, diversity, and difference in beliefs. I always think it is better to work together as opposed to being critical of others! There’s always something new to learn or another perspective to imagine. It would also be incredible to end any form of illness. Describe yourself in three words. Compassionate Dedicated Motivated What you like to do besides run and compete? I love outdoor activities, reading, animals, spending time with my family, and baking/cooking. There are a lot of younger girl runners in our audience. Are there some thinYOUTHRUNNER.COM | 11
“
DON’T CHANGE YOURSELF OF WHAT WORKS FOR YOU TO MIMIC ANYONE ELSE
”
that you’ve learned along the way that are specific to just girls that you can share that may help them in their journey? If I had to give any advice, I would say to stay away from social media and know that everybody has different needs whether it comes to training, nutrition, strength training, recovery, and many others! Don’t change yourself of what works for you to mimic anyone else. Be proud of everything you can do and stay true to yourself! Is there one general piece of advice that you would like to leave for other young runners of any gender?
FAVORITES RUNNING SHOE - BROOKS HYPERION TEMPO XC COURSE - FOOTLOCKER NATIONALS IN SAN DIEGO, BOOK - LET YOUR MIND RUN, WILD BIRD PHONE APP - INSTAGRAM BREAKFAST CEREAL - NATURE’S PATH ROLE MODELS - DEENA KASTOR, ELLE PURRIER, SHELBY HOULIHAN 12 MARCH / APRIL 2021
You will go through both success and failure, but no matter what: stay true to yourself, have fun, and know that even if things do get hard, they will get better! Anything else you’d like us to know about yourself? Running is one of my biggest passions, but I would never be where I am today without the support from my family, coaches, and other mentors. I am forever grateful for all of their help and guidance!
JENNA’S BEST TIMES
DARIUS LAWSHEA
OUTDOOR MILE
2017 - 5:16.24 2019 - 4:43.33
OUTDOOR 3200M
2017 - 11:21.22 2019 - 10:15.39 2020 - 9:49.83 *JR NATIONAL RECORD *STATE RECORD
5K CROSS COUNTRY
2018 - 17:25.80 2019 - 16:38.97 2020 - 15:58.42 *NATIONAL RECORD FASTER EVER BY HIGH SCHOOLER *STATE RECORD
5K OUTDOOR
2020 - 15:34.47 - *NATIONAL RECORD FASTER EVER BY HIGH SCHOOLER AND U20 RECORD TULLY RUNNERS NOTE - JENNA HUTCHINS BREAKS KATELYN TUOHY'S 5K TRACK RECORD (15:34.47 VS. 15:37.12)
JENNA’S 2020 XC SEASON 5000 METER RACES RUNNINGLANE NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS 1ST – 15:58.42 TSSAA STATE CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP 1ST - 16:30.84 REGION 1 LARGE & SMALL SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIPS 1ST 17:06.70 COACH WOOD INVITATIONAL 1ST – 16:39.06 ALEXANDER / ASICS INVITATIONAL 1ST – 16:40.79 FENDER'S FARM CROSS COUNTRY CARNIVAL 1ST – 16:36.90 "LARGE SCHOOLS" CHICKASAW INVITATIONAL 1ST – 16:25.08
YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 13
THE INCLINE FLUME NOAH MCMAHON RUNNING HIS FAVORITE MOUNTAIN TRAIL ONCE THE SNOW MELTS THE “FLUME” OPENS UP FOR SOME OF THE BEST TRAIL RUNNING IN THE WORLD OUTSIDE OF INCLINE VILLAGE, NEVADA.
THE MCMAHONS
YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 15
FANPAGE
KIDS RULE THE WORLD! WE JUST SHOWCASE THEM! HERE ARE SOME OF YOUR BEST SHOTS THIS SEASON! WANNA SEE YOUR OWN PHOTOS IN THESE PAGES? IT'S EASY! ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS HASHTAG #YOUTHRUNNER WHEN YOU POST TO INSTAGRAM!
16 MARCH / APRIL 2021
YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 17
A TALK WITH
MAX AND ZACK CERVI-SKINNER
THE NORTH IDAHO XC TEAM VENTURED SOUTH IN DECEMBER TO RACE AT CROSS-COUNTRY NATIONALS. THEY WERE USATF TEAM CHAMPIONS IN THE 13-14 BOYS AND MAX CAME HOME AS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION. AT AAU MAX CAME IN 2ND AND ZACK 11TH. JUST PART OF THE OVERALL TEAM SUCCESS. THE COMPLETE TEAM STORY “TRIUMPH IN A SEASON OF UNCERTAINTY” IS POSTED ON YOUTHRUNNER.COM You two competed in both xc nationals, how did you two prepare for back-to-back championships? Max: Our vision at the end of summer was to perform well in both races. We started training over the summer with Youth Runner Camp, then picked up miles early fall when Middle School Cross Country started. Zack: Our club practices started midOctober after the middle school season finished, so Coach Hart was able to plan how we would peak for both races. What was the difference between AAU and USATF? Describe the difficulty of the course and the competition. Which one was harder? Which was more fun? Max: The AAU race had all runners at 18 MARCH / APRIL 2021
the start line (not running in waves) and had more participants. The Kentucky course was more technical but had less competition, probably because many racers decided to run at the AAU race this year. I enjoyed the AAU race more because of the vibe of the spectators all around the course and having more competitors on the course. Zack: USATF ran our age group in two heats. In a way, this made the race more difficult because you weren’t sure what place you were overall. I enjoyed the Tallahassee course (AAU) because I had experience on this course a few years ago and it is a fast course. You could let your legs fly on the course. About the competition, is there one or two runners that you had gone up against before that you were able to overcome? Max: Jason Parra - he is a great competitor! We have raced together before and have taken turns coming out on top - I was hoping to get ahead of him in Tallahassee and we ended up in a sprint down the finish where I was able to edge him out.
Zack: My goal was to finish All American in Kentucky - there was a great level of competition. Any tactics or strategies that you may have done differently? Or, that you learned from and will take to the next race? Max: Always save a little “gas in the tank” for the sprint to the finish line. Zack: I learned to push myself faster earlier in the race, rather than save more of my speed for the finish. “With a twin brother we can push each other a lot to get better and that’s what we did throughout our training all year. It’s one of the reasons we did so well.” How did you recover from AAU going on to USATF? How much rest did you get? Share some tips for other runners. Max: We continued our normal practice schedules while traveling. We stayed on the East Coast between races and continued our daily routine in that time zone. TIP: stretch daily and bring clothing for all types of weather.
Zack: We tried to get plenty of sleep. When we weren’t practicing we were off our feet doing homework and relaxing. We ate healthy where we were staying had big breakfasts and fruit shakes daily. TIP: Sleep! Be well rested the two nights before your race. Backing up a bit, summarize how the spotty xc season went from say, the YR Camp up to nationals. Max: We were able to practice together in North Idaho when following health restrictions. We trained with North Idaho Blaze in the summer months, then with our Canfield Middle School coaches during the school season. North Idaho Cross Country (NIXC) runners and Coach Hart were all excited to train in October, hoping we would have a race to compete in. Zack: Youth Runner Camp was a great way to start our season with great coaches and challenging courses. We were lucky to live in a school district that held a cross-country season. What will your training be from April on? Max: We are starting with shorter and faster workouts to train for track season. We hope to compete this summer for club track and field after our middle school season ends. Zack: We will focus more on speed workouts as we are running shorter
distances for middle school track. Is there anything different about how the two of you train and compete? Or do you both follow the same strategies and plan? Max: We train the same and do the same workouts, but have different race strategies because we run different races. Zack: We each run our race, but training together helps push each other and stay motivated. What are your expectations about high school running? Max: We hope to qualify for our High School state track meet as Freshman, and also hope to attend Nike Cross or Footlocker races this fall. Zack: Place well and consistently at all of my meets. I would also like to qualify for state, run in either Nike Cross and/ or Footlocker. Goals for this track season? Max: Break the Canfield Middle School record with a 4:35 mile time. Zack: Beat my brother! (Jk) I would like to PR for my mile time and try running the 400m this year. What are your hobbies and interests?
Max: Skiing, I especially like the terrain park. mountain biking, wake surfing. Zack: Skiing especially powder and trees, Basketball, golf, pickleball We love hanging out with our dogs: Summit and Zeus (Husky-Pomeranian mix). The best advice a coach has ever given you. Max: Run your race, not anybody else’s. (Coach Erin Lydon Hart) Zack: You are allowed to be mad at yourself if you don’t do well in a race for five minutes... then you let it go and move on to the next race. (Coach Tyson) Your advice for other runners. Max: Make running fun and part of your normal routine, keep the big picture in mind. Zack: Run with friends and teammates and don’t focus too much on just one race. Best takeaways from any of the YR Camps for you. Max: They had good speakers who taught us how to eat well and the importance of sleeping well. Zack: I learned a new level of fun and toughness while being around other high-level athletes in a camp setting. YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 19
WAY TO
GO
SMOTHERMAN IMAGES
JORDYNN WEST JORDYNN HAS GOTTEN QUITE A FOLLOWING AND INSPIRED ALL OF US OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS ON HER INSTAGRAM CHANNEL @JORDY_RUNS AND HER BLOG AT YOUTHRUNNER.COM. SHE SHARES HER TRAINING TECHNIQUES, RACING SUCCESS, AND DISAPPOINTMENTS. NOW SHE’S RAISED THE BAR WITH THE JORDYNN WEST BELIEVE FOUNDATION. 20 MARCH / APRIL 2021
HI JORDYNN, GIVE US THE BACKGROUND OF HOW AND WHY YOU STARTED THIS FOUNDATION? A: In February of 2020, I was able to travel and compete in the Bahamas. To show my appreciation for being invited and wanting to see something great for the athletes, I gather about 20 pairs of of new and lightly worn spikes and shoes to gift to athletes. This inspired me to do more and get the foundation started. Q: Was there a certain moment you can look back on that gave you the inspiration? Or a kid in need that captured your attention?
made it a challenge for families to provide essential items to their youth athletes. The excitement from the athletes was amazing. Also, the partnerships established seem to be something that will last a long time. Q: What are your hopes and goals for the foundation? How far do you want to take this? A: My hope is to grow year after year. In 2020 I was able to donate approximate 70 pairs of track spike/running shoes and 20 performance shirts. My goal 2021 will be to donate at least 100 pair of athletic shoes. I will want to keep building more and more as the years go on. This is something I feel can be so good for young athletes all over and I would want to keep it going well into my adult life. Q: What are your top-goals for track this spring and summer?
A: After gifting the items to some athletes in the Bahamas, people started to reach out after learning about my efforts. That’s when I realized how great it could be to keep it going and how much it could help others. Q: Can you talk about any teams or individuals that havebenefited from your efforts so far?
A: I’m more so focused on improving my running mechanics, flexibility and correcting muscle imbalances. I feel being a young runner and growing fast, focusing on those areas will put me a great position as I get older.
A: In December of 2020, I was able to send shoes, spikes and athletic apparel to Venezuela and Argentina. They were hit hard by the pandemic, which
If I focus on those things and work hard, I feel I will be competitive and will have a great track season!
I also want to be a great teammate by supporting, encouraging and leading by example. And most of all, help my team make it to State.
YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 21
WAY TO
GO
BRIANNA ROPACKI and the 100 MILE CLUB BY STEVE WHITE, PE TEACHER AND 100 MILE CLUB HEAD COACH, VAIL RANCH MIDDLE SCHOOL, TEMECULA, CA
and enjoying what each had to offer. Being a straight “A” student already shows that she has the desire, discipline, and dedication to achieve her goals. I have seen this drive in her for the past two-plus years and am truly amazed by her continued improvement in running. Brianna is tenacious on the inside but the nicest person on the outside and always leads with a smile. Not being one of the fastest runners, her times in the mile and Cross Country began to drop quickly because of her hard work. Did this success stop her? No, she has continued to fight through this COVID season of life and get even better. She loves to participate in community races and charity runs, as is evident with her many medals. Last month, Brianna earned a “Top Dawg” shirt for running a mile under a set standard of 6:40 seconds for 8th-grade girls at Vail Ranch MS, allowing her to wear this special shirt as a PE shirt in school. Two years ago this seemed impossible, but this is Brianna, and the impossible is possible with her, as she ran 6:19 for the mile. Brianna currently has over 500 miles this year and over 1,200 during her middle school career.
Brianna Ropacki (grade 8, Vail Ranch Middle School in Temecula, CA) is an inspiration to every participant in the 100 Mile Club program with her consistent pursuit to improve. Brianna began the 100 Mile Club program as a 6th grader along with her sister 22 MARCH / APRIL 2021
Lauren (grade 7) and quickly found running to be fun. Brianna took on the challenge to reach 100 miles, earn the medal, and have fun while doing it. Later, she joined the morning run group at Vail Ranch and then participated in Cross Country. Now she was involved in three programs at school
The 100 Mile Club opened up this opportunity for a student to join a special program that takes a whole year and see a transformation through dedication! Brianna will participate next year in Cross Country at one of the best programs in the nation, Great Oak High School in Temecula, CA. I thank the 100 Mile Club for the years of support and congratulations to Brianna for being a wonderful role model for the program!
AAU XC National Champion
SYDNEY COLLIER
CASCADE STRIDERS ATHLETE FROM SAMMAMISH, WASHINGTON WINS THE 2020 13-YEAR-OLD GIRLS AAU XC CHAMPIONSHIP.
In Tallahassee, Florida. Sydney ran an amazing race and became the 13-year-old National Champion running an incredible 13:21 for 4000 meters! AAU runs the 13/14 ages together but gives awards by single year age. She was 2nd overall behind super fast Sadie Englehardt who had a time of 13:19.82. Last year at this time Sydney just started training after a long recovery from a soccer injury. In June she started to increase her mileage and training to be prepared for the YR Camp. It was a huge goal that kept her motivated over the summer. Cross country meets were few and far between last fall but she found four during the regular season in Washington State and won them all which gave her confidence going to AAU Nationals. We’re not surprised at Sydney’s success as she is one of the most determined young athletes we’ve ever met. Keep a watch out for Sydney during track season!
YOUTH RUNNER TOP DOG OF THE MONTH 1500 METER CHAMP
200 METER RUNNER
UP AND COMING SPRINTER
Avery Rosado, 11 Ocean Breeze NY.
Jaylen Irish, 13 Coastal Georgia Track Team.
Dion Wedge Jr., 5
Avery took first in the 11-yearold boys 1500m (5:02.53) at AAU Indoor Nationals crushing the previous meet record of 5:07.56! Congrats Avery!
Jaylen placed 2nd in the 13-year-old boys 200 meter event at the AAU Indoor Nationals.
Super performance at AAU Indoors Dion was 2nd in the 60m, 200m, and the 400m.
He’ll be back for 1st next year!
We’ll be watching Dion during outdoor track!
GET RECOGNIZED Go to youthrunner. com Hit the SUBMIT button Fill out the athletes form. youthrunner. com/events/ athlete/submit
READ MORE ABOUT THESE ATHLETES AT YOUTHRUNNER.COM YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 23
MEET HIGHLIGHTS COACH O INVITATIONAL HELD AT THE BIRMINGHAM CROSS PLEX ALABAMA ON JANUARY 17TH KJJ PHOTOGRAPHIC
24 MARCH / APRIL 2021
AAU HIGH SCHOOL ELITE AT THE INDOOR TRACK IN VIRGINIA BEACH THIS MEET ATTRACTED SOME OF THE BEST HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETE IN THE COUNTRY KJJ PHOTOGRAPHIC
TFCUSA INDOOR HIS IS MAINLY A YOUTH MEET ALSO AT THE CROSS PLEX IN ALABAMA. SOME SUPER FAST KIDS COMPETED HERE INCLUDING AIDEN OPORE FROM JACKRABBIT TF
KJJ PHOTOGRAPHIC
WALNUT HS XC CALIFORNIA OPENED UP SPORTS WITH A DELAYED XC SEASON HERE WALNUT HS VS DON LUGO SMOTHERMAN IMAGES
THERE WERE SOME EPIC XC MEETS IN DECEMBER FOLLOWED BY A SERIES OF INDOOR TRACK COMPETITIONS OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS. LOOKING LIKE OUTDOOR TRACK IS OPENING UP AROUND THE COUNTRY SO MAYBE THERE IS A LIGHT AT THE END OF THIS TUNNEL. THANKS TO ALL OF THE MEET DIRECTORS FOR KEEPING US SAFE. YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 25
ASK A
COACH
Interviewed by Jaden Merrick
PRO RUNNER CRAIG ENGELS CRAIG ZOOMS WITH JADEN MERRICK AND OFFERS HIS ADVICE TO YOUNG RUNNERS. 26 MARCH / APRIL 2021
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE TO A YOUNG RUNNER? Keep running fun, that’s the biggest thing is making sure you’re having fun with what you’re doing, especially in high school while you’re trying to get recruited. Enjoy it, you wouldn’t want to work a job you don’t like. So it’s just important to keep it fun.
WHAT’S BEST? A LONGER OR SHORTER PROCESS IN YOUR DEVELOPMENT? I think short steps are important because you see those small improvements and want to keep training and working towards your goals. You have all these young guys running really fast times right now, but over the years they might stall out, and can get frustrated. Sometimes big gains make us excited but they are not always for the better. Small gradual improvements are important.
WHAT’S YOUR GOAL BEFORE YOU RETIRE? My goal is to make the Olympic team, and represent my country at the Olympics. My main goal is to medal at the Olympics, and bring home a medal. It’s still super hard to even make the team because there’s a lot of fast guys and deep competition.
WHEN DID YOU START RUNNING? Junior year of high school, didn’t know if I’d be any good at it, turns out I was, my coach said I could get to college from it, and I wasn’t smart, but I could go to college from it. My senior year I started running really well and got a partial scholarship
WHAT EVENTS WOULD YOU TRY FOR? I would try the 800, and 1500. I like the 800 a little bit better because it’s short and sweet, but the 1500 has been my better race. If I made the Olympics I would probably only do the 1500, but we’ll see. YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 27
COMING UP! DOZENS OF MEETS ARE COMING BACK THIS SPRING. CHECK YOUTHRUNNER.COM FOR MORE LISTINGS
OUTDOOR TRACK - KIDS RUNS - 5K’S - LIVESTREAMS - PRO RACES
April 3-4
May 23
June 18-27
8TH ANNUAL V12 INVITATIONAL
LEGACY T&F VIRGINIA INVITATIONAL
OLYMPIC TRIALS
GAINESVILLE, FL coachoregistration.com
Leesburg, VA coachoregistration.com
Eugene, Oregon usatf.org
April 17-18
May 28-30
June 22-27
SPEED CAPITAL CENTRAL INVITATIONAL
14TH ANNUAL MARK TRAIL USATF NATIONAL YOUTH MEMORIAL DAY MEET OUTDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Starkville, MS coachoregistration.com
Lawrenceville, GA coachoregistration.com
Rome, Georgia usatf.org
May 22
May 29
July 10-17
TFCUSA CLUB NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
FAST & FURIOUS MEMORIAL DAY
AAU CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
ORLANDO, FL coachoregistration.com
Bartlett, TN coachoregistration.com
Orlando, FLW aautrackandfield.org
28 MARCH / APRIL 2021
Jul. 23 - Aug. 8 SUMMER OLYMPICS Tokyo, Japan olympic.org
Jul. 27 - Aug. 1 USATF NATIONAL JUNIOR OLYMPIC T&F CHAMPIONSHIPS Jacksonville, FL usatf.org
Jul. 10 - Aug. 17 AAU JUNIOR OLYMPIC GAMES Humble, TX aautrackandfield.org
PRO TRACK SERIES TO WATCH MAY 14 - LOS ANGELES MAY 29 - PORTLAND TRACK FESTIVAL MAY 31 - IOWA HIGH PERFORMANCE JUNE 5 - MUSIC CITY CARNIVAL JULY 10 - UNDER ARMOUR SUNSET TOUR JULY 17 - UNDER ARMOUR SUNSET TOUR AUG 14 - ED MURPHEY CLASSIC Livestreaming and even info trackseries.org FOR MORE TRACK & FIELD, 5K RUNS, TRIATHLONS AND XC EVENTS COME ON OVER TO YOUTHRUNNER.COM AND DISCOVER THE ONE THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU.
“VIRTUAL CAMP” UNABLE TO TRAVEL OR MAKE IT OUT FOR THE SCHEDULED OVERNIGHT CAMP NO PROBLEM, JOIN US FOR A “VIRTUAL CAMP” AUGUST 3-7TH. NOT JUST ANOTHER ZOOM MEETING. Includes a coaching consultation right after you sign up, camp workbook, challenges, swag, join in on the coaching talks and athlete sessions. Fun! GO TO WWW.YOUTHRUNNERCAMP.COM FOR THE DETAILS YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 29
2021 AAU TRACK & FIELD
30 MARCH / APRIL 2021
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