As the fall sports season comes to an end, the playoffs and finals for sports also are. One athlete that has gone above and beyond in their sport is Junior Cross Country runner Junior Lucas Knez.
Knez was the only member of the cross country team to make it into regionals, which was held at Boardman High School, Regionals comes after districts, where Knez also had a great performance.
Knez had to overcome some obstacles to get where he is today.
“Injuries are a common obstacle when it comes to running, but on a deeper level, mental struggles along with learning how my body works and adapts to my current running level,” said Knez.
Lucas placed 78th in regionals, which is pretty good. There are about 150-200 runners competing, and for him to place in the top 100 is a great achievement.
Cross Country can be one of the hardest sports to train. But Lucas had a specific technique for him to succeed.
“My training typically involves 2 weekly workouts with additional “shake out”/easy runs between workout days. I make sure to maintain a consistent mileage throughout the week as well,” said Knez
Another aspect to running is what goes through your mind. There are multiple sports that the mind game comes into play, including swimming and track. What is running through your mind can determine how you perform.
Knez shared what goes through his mind while he runs.
“If I’m running by myself or with music, I am usually just focused on what I am listening to and my breathing pattern. When I am running in a race, my mind goes a little frantic, like battling with myself on the subject of whether I will do good in my race or not, while also thinking about my wrongdoings and how good I’m currently feeling.”
Since Knez performed so well this season, his expectations for next season will be very high.
“It will be challenging, but I feel like if I put in the right amount of work then I will have a pretty decent chance,” said Knez, on the question on if he would make state next season.
We wish Lucas great seasons for the sports to come. And good luck to the rest of the teams still going in the fall playoffs!
