Freshman Moving Quickly to Top Finishes for Tiger Track
By Lily Becker on April 7, 2017
Gripping the baton and looking forward at the two people pulling ahead while running at a smooth and steady pace, freshman Mackenzie Michael tries to stay with the leading girls.
Michael is a distance runner for the track team. She is one of very few varsity running freshmen after also running varsity cross country at the beginning of the year.
She originally got into running around fifth grade while preparing for the school mile.
Michael said, “They would hand out a certificate for the fastest mile time, and one day I just decided that I really wanted to win that certificate.”
She did in fact win that certificate with a 6:41. She then started to train with her dad most days after school at the Y.
Michael is currently the fastest mid-distance runner on the team as she runs outstanding 400 and 800s.
Her love for the sport and the people is a big part of her success.
Michael said, “I love everything about track. I love working out and pushing myself every day, trying to become the best athlete I can be for my team. Getting to race at the meets is also really fun, and not only do you get to race, but you get to cheer on your teammates and hang out with them. You bond really close with your teammates, and they become like family to you.”
Michael is a big attribute to the team both on and off the track.
Junior Paige Kvale said, “She is fun to be around, always making us laugh. She encourages and pushes to run our fastest.”
Michael said she hopes to run for a D1 college for cross country and track in the future, but for right now, she wants to improve her times and do her best.
Rounding the curve filled with teammates screaming and cheering as loud as possible as she’s beginning to close the gap while giving it everything, Michael pulls into the lead. She does it, and she gets the win for the 4×4 relay.