Name: Liliana Jaraczewski
Hobbies: Singing, middle school ministry, volunteer work, swimming, researching
Academic interest: Science
Personal bests:
19:23 - 5K run
11:48 - 3200 meter run
5:40 - 1600 meter run
What does it mean to be named to the Shrine Bowl Run team and helping the hospital?
As this is my first year in South Carolina, I was ecstatic to hear that I would get to be part of this exciting event, representing runners all around the state. I personally have a great interest in the medical field, so being able to run in support of the hospital is a great motivator for me concerning this race.
What did you hear about the Shrine Bowl Run before this year?
I had never heard of the Shrine Bowl Run prior to this year, but my coach, Mrs. Marie Kernell, had told me about it during the season; she had been a coach during a previous Shrine Bowl Run. All I knew was that it was a fun event for senior runners of South Carolina.
What do you hope to experience during The Run?
I am excited to see some new parts of Greenville that I have never seen before and meet some new runners, both my age and older!
How are you preparing to run with a football?
My younger brother Johnny, a sports fanatic, often plays catch with me, and he has taught me how to throw a football with a nice spiral spin. We have been working together to make sure that I am prepared to run with a football as I should - arm tucked in, keeping it tight to the body while keeping up a strong stride.
How would you rate your senior season?
I would rate this season at least an 11 out of 10! I am so thankful that I have been able to run in a new part of the country on new courses with an amazing group of teammates and supportive, dedicated coaches. I am happy that I finished my season strong and improved my time almost every race. It is satisfying to know that all the hard work of high school cross country has paid off! I could not have accomplished anything without my teammates constantly pushing and encouraging me.
What future goals do you have?
I hope to attend a college or university in the South Carolina/Georgia region to pursue studies in math and science, most likely to follow the pre-medicine route and eventually attend graduate school. I have a passion for medicinal sciences and I would like to work in the field in some profession or another, as a doctor or otherwise. Most importantly, I want to serve and give my life to others in whatever career I begin.
Have you made the decision to compete at the next level? Please explain.
I have not yet made the decision as to whether or not I will participate in cross country during college. It is an option I am seriously considering, and I am looking into colleges in the area that would accept me on their running team, should I decide to attend. Competitive running is a part of my life which I am not sure that I am ready to give up just yet!
How did you get involved with the sport and when?
I was first introduced to cross country in eighth grade when I joined the first middle school cross country team at my school in Wisconsin. I had done other sports like volleyball and softball, but cross country was something I truly enjoyed. I had never been so happy doing something athletic, and I was not at all the athletic type! Cross country has made me the person I am today.
Do you have any relation or know someone that has attended the Shriners Hospital?
I do not know anyone who has attended the Shriners Hospital! Hopefully I will have the opportunity to meet someone who has and ask how it has affected their life.
How have you seen the sport change in the state? Please explain.
Because this is my first year in the state, I can not give testimony to how cross country has evolved here. However, I do know that in South Carolina, the sport is different from Wisconsin. For example, middle schoolers can run on the varsity team, which was not a possibility in Wisconsin.
What was your motivation for your final XC season?
The motivation for my final XC season was to finish strong! I wanted to put forth my best effort, knowing that I had dedicated so much time to the sport back home, and now I have the chance to demonstrate my abilities in a new place, working alongside new teammates and competitors. This season, I wanted to have fun and enjoy it, and that is one goal that I am glad to have accomplished.
If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
If there was one thing in the world I could do, I would establish a soup kitchen in my backyard and serve there every night to members of the community in need. I would eventually want to expand the business, so to speak, but being of service to others is something I want to do every day of my life.
