There is something special about Section 4 this year. For the past two years, there has been a drought in state level competition for the girls of Section 4, with the highest placing athlete taking 50th in 2012, and 56th in 2013. That looks to change this year, as several candidates are eyeing All-State. Abbey Wheeler, a sophomore from Elmira, is looking to be just that change. It wouldn't be the first standout we've seen from the Elmira area, as famed Molly Huddle attended Elmira-Notre Dame, also of the area. We chatted with Abbey about how her season has been going, and what may be on the horizon.
Quick Facts-
Top Speed Rating: 147
Top Track Mark: 4:45 for 1500m
State Meets Attended: 2
Notable Mark: 4th in Indoor Nationals Freshmen Mile
First off, congratulations on having such a successful season so far. Before we get to XC, I know you were coming on strong last year as a freshmen in track, with a 4:45.64 PR in the 1500 to your name. How do you think that kind of speed played into your current season.
I think the way I progressed, it definitely has led me in the right direction. I was able to gather more race experience with top competition and also realized the faster my 1500 time got the faster my other times will most likely be.
As a freshmen, you had a good opening year. However, it seems this year has been at a whole new level. Was there a moment during summer training where it really clicked, and you saw something that informed you how fast you could be going this fall?
I actually was injured during the championship part of my outdoor season. I took about four weeks off and started running in mid-July. I started very slow and really was not sure how it was going. In mid-August, we raced a 5k that we did a year prior and I improved my time by about a minute. At that point, I began to feel more optimistic and excited for my season.
The second race of your season, you headed to Queensbury, and came out with the third fastest time of the day. Was this a way to look at the post-season State Championship course, and how do you think the race went?
This race was used to gather experience for the state course. I think my race went okay. It was the first time I raced a hard effort this season and it was good to experience the feeling of a race again. The time I raced at that course was a PR and I learned a lot from the race that has helped me create a better strategy in my other races.
Coming back two weeks later, the McQuaid Invitational was a more densesly packed field of elite athletes. How was your preparation going into a race of this caliber different than usual?
(It was only one week later) The preparation was a little different mentally. Where Queensbury was a starting point in the realization of the level I was on, McQuaid was a chance to see how well I could compete on that level with tough competition.
At McQuaid, you had shaved off a full minute and a half over your time from last year, placing as the top New Yorker against top talent. Was there ever a moment of reflection between this year and last with that performance?
Definitely, when I saw my time I was a little shocked. I knew I had the ability to go that fast, I just didn’t think I was going to. My previous cross country season I thought was very successful, to improve this much from that point is exciting for me.
The competition is strong in Section 4 this year, with Corning's Jess Lawson running very well also. Head to head, you both have won once. How does this elevated competition help you develop your race strategy?
Having someone in my section that is running that well is a great motivator. In big races it is nice to have somebody I can pinpoint off of. In my Section 4 races, it is nice to go to a meet and know that I can still find good competition there.
Who has been your biggest supporter, or biggest influence this season?
My mom of course has always motivated me to do my best and has supported me at all of my races. My older sister Melinda has also been a big influence; she helped me in my training in the past and has always been a role model for me. I can always count on her to give me words of wisdom before my races and I know she is rooting me on.
As a team who is ranked 6th overall in the state, how does your team influence your running?
We are like a family, we all bond over our love for the sport and my team keeps it fun. We know what we need to do to have success so; we motivate each other to help get the job done. Having team success is very rewarding and makes me want to work that much harder as an individual to help the team.
Heading into championship season, how are your workouts adjusting to prepare you?
The workouts are getting shorter and of higher quality. We are just left to tweaking a few things; the hard part of the training has been done. The main focus for the next month is to stay healthy and hopefully finish a great season.
Quick Questions:
Favorite Course
Bowdoin Park
Favorite Team Bonding Moment
We always have fun at spaghetti dinners and you can always expect us to play a game of charades after dinner.
Teammate Shoutout
Jessica Thatcher has been having an outstanding season! I have enjoyed watching her improve and I can’t wait to see what she has to offer for the rest of the season.
5k Progression
