Name: Chase Poland
Hobbies: Running, Sleeping, Eating, Hanging with friends/family.
Academic interest: Engineering / Physical Education
Personal bests:
400m: 57.49
800m: 2:07
1600m: 4:47
3200m: 10:37
5000m: 16:41
What does it mean to be named to the Shrine Bowl Run team and helping the hospital?
It means a lot. This is an opportunity that only so many people can experience and I am honored to be a part of that. I hope that I can be a big help to the hospital and everyone involved.
What did you hear about the Shrine Bowl Run before this year?
I heard that the Shrine Bowl Run was a huge honor. It was something that only selected seniors get to attend and to honor their accomplishments over the years. I also heard that they have one insane hoodie.
What do you hope to experience during The Run?
I hope to experience one of the happiest moments of my career. Running with a purpose with other athletes that are being honored for their accomplishments over their entire running career. I hope to make some new friends and share my best experiences.
How are you preparing to run with a football?
To be honest.. I have no idea. Tuck it and go is what my dad said.
How would you rate your senior season?
My senior season is a 9/10. Although it was the most successful and enjoyable season I've ever had I know that there is another level beyond what I have experienced that I wish to look into in the future.
What future goals do you have?
Wow this is so vague, but I do have to say, my number one goal is to become the absolute best version of myself that I can be. I want to make bigger and further jumps in my running career and I want to make a life for myself that I have no regrets on.
Have you made the decision to compete at the next level? Please explain.
Yes. Although I haven't quite decided where I will be attending to pursue competing at the next level I know that where ever I end up, I will succeed in pursuing my running career.
How did you get involved with the sport and when?
Story time!! So this takes me back to gym class of seventh grade. We were doing suicides and the teachers were betting on who would be the first person done. For me, I was new to the school so no one exactly knew me, but after that day... Everyone knew me. I ended up being referred to become a sprinter for J.L. Mann, but had surgery afterward that made me take eighth grade off from activities. Hit freshman year and ended up thinking hey.. let's give cross country a try and that decision made my running career take off.
Do you have any relation or know someone that has attended the Shriners Hospital?
I do not. Though I do know Tim Harris who was able to attend the Shrine Bowl in 2015 and he mentioned that it was honor to be a part of the Shriners Hospital and I take a man for his word. I'm looking forward to what is to come.
How have you seen the sport change in the state? Please explain.
Honestly, so much. I suppose my favorite part is seeing all these guys that compete at the state level, maybe even win titles and then be sent off to college. Once they're gone, another person comes in and takes their spot every year and it's amazing to see.
What was your motivation for your final XC season?
Gosh man, I'm not sure. I would say my team. I wanted to produce the best possible result that I possibly could for my team this year. Every one of us wanted to produce a result that would allow us to win state. Though we didn't succeed we definitely tried our hardest and that's the best we can do!
If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
Honestly, I don't know. That is what life is for. Pursuing a destiny that you're given and taking adventure after adventure until you end up in the right place. For me, I know I'm in the right place and I will continue to follow this path until I have achieved greatness. I want to pursue my dreams and destiny.