Mann's Elisabeth Morse talks about being a distance runner as a Patriot.
Name: Elisabeth Morse
High school: J.L. Mann
Event PRs: 1600 - 5:32, 3200 - 11:47, 5K XC - 19:03
Hobbies: Playing the violin, writing, reading, traveling.
What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable race has to be Region from my freshman track season. I got passed in the last few meters and just missed going to state qualifier. I was disappointed, but that was also the day my coach told me I had a good chance of making varsity the following cross country season. I said "Really?". It was the first time I really began to believe in myself.
Out of all your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
Getting 2nd at state cross country as a team my sophomore year was really special because it was my first year on varsity and I was the team's fifth scorer. We were one point ahead of both third and fourth place in the end, and that made me feel like I really contributed to our success.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
I believe God has a reason for the way my athletic career played out in high school, but if I could go back I would take running more seriously earlier on. I think I could've been a lot faster junior and senior year if I had put more into my training. It also would have made getting recruited for college teams a lot easier.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I struggled with an injury this track season for all of February and March and most of April. It was disappointing because I had been injury free all of high school and this was my senior season, but with the help of a lot of physical therapy and a slow introduction back into speed work, I was able to compete for the second half of the track season and even set a few PRs.
What will you miss the most?
I'm going to miss how secure and fun high school running is. In high school, I had a great support system and encouragement from everyone around me, and I know that isn't always going to be the case, whether it's in running or some other endeavor. I'm also going to miss my teammates, but I'm excited to see what they achieve in the future.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Consistency is what matters, in running and pretty much anything else. If you're doing the right things, day after day, then you're going to improve.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals?
My coaches are the people who have helped me see the bigger picture, that while running is a big part of my life, I can't define my season or running career by any one performance. They've also taught me that the most important things I take from this sport are not stats, but the things I learn about myself and the people I meet along the way.
What kind of impact did your family have on your time as a high school student-athlete?
Both of my parents ran track in high school, and my dad still runs. He's the one who got me into the sport and is always eager to talk with me about not only my performances but also the running world in general. Both of my parents are huge supporters of my goals, and they've instilled within me a sense of fearlessness, that as long as I trust in God I can achieve anything.
What are your college or post high school plans?
I am attending Brigham Young University and plan to major in Exercise Science. I want to eventually become a physical therapist.
What do you hope to achieve after high school?
I'm going to try out for BYU's cross country team this fall. Running-wise, I know I can be a lot stronger and a lot faster. I hope to get into PT school after BYU and help other athletes who experience injury.
Do you see yourself coaching in the future? Please explain and if so, what level and why?
I definitely see coaching in my future. I love the "science" and methodology that goes into training endurance athletes, as well as the motivational and mental aspects of competing, and that's why I could see myself not only coaching at the high school level, but also at the collegiate and professional levels.
Shout-outs?
Dr. Kent Kurfman at ATI Physical Therapy has been paramount to my running success this past year. He reminds me not to take myself too seriously. Thanks to my parents, siblings, and coaches. Coach Borowicz, Coach Prochaska, and Coach Moss have given me so much faith in the future God has for me.
If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
I would reach my full potential in all that I do in order to better serve others. I have a purpose to fulfill, I just need to figure out what it is.