Districts for Mariemont High School’s track team is this Tuesday-Saturday, and for many, it will be the last time putting on spikes in a Mariemont uniform. As many track and high school running careers come to an end, I deemed it time for seniors to reflect on the relationship they have with the ball-less sport.
I caught up with many senior runners to discuss their feelings toward their final season coming to a close.
I met with captain Caleb Ching and asked if he actually enjoyed running, in which Ching responded “The actual act of running isn’t enjoyable, but everything that comes with it is.”
Ching later says “I won’t miss running because I will continue to run while at Vanderbilt…. I do think I will miss being on the (Mariemont) teams”.
Next I met with DePauw commit Grace Mavridoglou. Because of her commitment to continue her running career over the next 4 years, I spoke with her about her hopes for the following years: “I hope to continue to improve…. last year DePauw competed at nationals….I hope to do the same” stated Mavridoglou.
When asked what running meant to her she said, “Forming friendships, staying healthy, and really just having fun. I run best when I’m just having fun.”
Mavridoglou later declared, “I will miss running at Mariemont, especially things like Matthew Tucker and Grayson Graham having arguments over chipmunk little on runs”.
Finally I met with D1 Miami (OH) commit, captain, and State hopeful, Ben Fahnestock. Fahnestock is as decorated a runner as anyone in Mariemont history. He holds multiple school records, regional titles, and is continuing at the highest collegiate level, and now is looking to finally get that state title added to his name.
“I really do believe I can win.” Fahnestock said. “I really love competing, it’s a really great thing”.
Fahnestock also went on record to say, “I will miss running with people and the discussions that happen on long runs. It’s been a fun time”.
I know personally that I will not miss running. I believe no one likes running, but that’s the beauty of it: the mutual uncertainty and regret that is instilled within every runner. I like to think of it as the Kendrick Lamar song “United in Grief.” Yet we all know running is only beneficial for us as athletes; it is a complexity far deeper than anything we have explored in AP Lit.
No, I will not miss running. But I will miss the people who I had the privilege to share my running experiences with. I have laughed a lot and formed friendships I know would not have existed if it wasn’t for track. Running has also become a constant in my life, a fall back if nothing else.
It’s always a sad time when something comes to a close, but as Winnie the Pooh says “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
