Question 1: When did you first start running, and do you recall any of your childhood races?
Nicholson: "I first officially started running in 7th grade, but during elementary school, we would have fun one-mile races that I loved to participate in."
Loewe: "I first started running the summer before 6th grade as preparation for middle school cross country. It all started when my middle school coach challenged anybody who was interested in running to run 100 miles throughout the summer."
American Horse: "6th Grade about 2 times a week and then 8th Grade was my first full season."
Bariola: "When I was in 5th grade I participated in a youth program called Little Rockers hosted by my elementary school. My first race I could ever remember was a part of the Little Rock Marathon series. My dad raced the road race mile with me and its stuck with me ever since."
Cabana: "I started cross country in seventh grade because I loved running in basketball and a few of my friends joined too. My first race of the season was a meet in Heber Springs. I finished around the middle of the pack and thought I would keel over and die afterwards. That motivated me to work towards making myself better."
Question 2: Was there a certain moment when you realized you would be able to compete at a high level?
Nicholson: "A few years ago whenever I was able to really increase my weekly mileage, I remember having a thought that I would love to do this at the next level and push myself to my full potential as a runner."
Loewe: "I would say that I didn't really know what I was capable of until I started running my freshman year of high school. Going into freshman year I was thinking that I would play softball instead of track in the spring, but after cross country was over, I realized that I had more in me and needed to run track."
American Horse: "During my sophomore year when I ran 4:24 at conference I realized that if I quit swimming and focused fully on Cross country and track I could compete at a higher level."
Bariola: "In the midst of a successful 9th grade year I broke the top 50 for fastest freshman in the country at my state meet."
Cabana: "During my first track meet my sophomore year, I ran times in the mile and 2 mile that I didn't think was possible for myself until after I crossed the finish line. It was then that I began to see my potential as an elite athlete."
Question 3: What are some bumps in the road that you've encountered when it comes to training for different events during the season?
Nicholson: "I would say my biggest bump in the road or challenge happened early on as a freshman, I learned the importance of proper hydration the hard way. With half a mile left at the state cross country meet I passed out on the course due to dehydration. It was definitely a very humbling experience and taught me the importance of hydration, especially in this summer heat."
Bariola: "Taking it season by season focusing on different events. Sophomore year I focused on the mile and 800. Junior year I focused on mile and 2 mile. And senior year I hope to go through the season touching on all of them."
Cabana: "During my first track meet my sophomore year, I ran times in the mile and 2 mile that I didn't think was possible for myself until after I crossed the finish line. It was then that I began to see my potential as an elite athlete."