OnFocus: What are some of your cross country and track accomplishments you are most proud of?
Mlodik :Definitely winning state cross country, as well as getting 6th in the mile at state because it was my first experience of medalling at a state competition.
OnFocus: What have you learned about yourself, running, sports, high school, college and beyond as a result of the recruiting process?
Mlodik: I have learned the main things I value. Such things include green space, good team culture, and opportunity.
Sara’s mom, Tami, shared what it felt like watching Sara bring home the title at state:
“The experience was surreal. Watching her move up throughout her smartly ran race culminating with the lead in the last mile that lasted up the large hill to the finish. Seeing all her hard work and drive pay off with the championship was a feeling too hard to express. There was a lot of excitement, nervousness, and awe in the experience. It was extra special that many family members, teammates, and friends were there to share the accomplishment.”
OnFocus: Describe the recruiting process – some of the visits you have had, if/where you are taking official visits, etc.
Mlodik: I have narrowed down my top few colleges. First I unofficially visited many colleges and now plan on taking official visits to Michigan State, Northwestern University, University of Tennessee, and UW Madison.
OnFocus: What have you learned about yourself, running, sports, high school, college and beyond as a result of the recruiting process?
Mlodik: I have learned the main things I value. Such things include green space, good team culture, and opportunity.
OnFocus: Who are some of the influential people in your development as a runner?
Mlodik: Definitely my coaches. They have taught me all I know about running and consistently support me in developing as a runner.
OnFocus:What is your intended major(s) in college? What kind of career do you see for yourself?
Mlodik: I plan on majoring in engineering, likely industrial/systems engineering. With that degree I would make systems more efficient for companies.
OnFocus: Tell us a bit about how you found out you were invited to the Champs National Race, how you trained.
Mlodik: I made it to Champs Nationals through the Champs Midwest Regionals race. There are 4 regions, and there is 1 regional race for each where the top 10 individuals qualify. At the Midwest Regionals race, I got 8th, and thus qualified. I trained for it by continuing race pace workouts and consistent runs.
OnFocus: How was running on the national stage different from other races?
Mlodik: The great depth of competition was the main difference. At the start, I was almost last and worked my way up among many girls, which I was not used to. Overall, I enjoyed the amount of competition and always having another person to catch.
Tami added the talent level at nationals was amazing,
¨There was a lot of elite talent on the starting line. All 40 of those ladies needed to earn their spot. We felt more nervous for her competing against them. Once more, she ran a smart race and she worked those large hills. Watching her fight for top 15 and All American was a very proud moment.¨
OnFocus: What did you gain from competing at the national level?
Mlodik: I gained a lot of experience in race strategy as well as meeting many other amazing athletes.
OnFocus: Lessons learned: What are some lessons you have learned, some takeaways from athletics that have made you a better person?
Mlodik: The main things I have learned are organization and determination. With lots of practice and meets, I am very busy and a calendar helps a lot for staying organized through everything. Distance running especially has taught me determination both in racing when it gets challenging and in training when I have hard workouts.
Tami added that itś Saraś drive that sets her apart from most.
¨Sara is very driven to be the best she can be. She does all the little things that add up to being successful. Her skills in being able to express herself in interviews and with college coaches has grown throughout this. Sara digests her workouts, race times, and lifts to make the most out of everything. Sara has stayed humble and appreciative in her accomplishments. She was able to donate the $1000 from her Gatorade award back to Project Unify at DCE for more outings with students in special education with their nondisabled peers. She was excited to share these experiences with them.¨ – Tami Mlodik
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
