Lainey Quandt of Bentonville XC Senior Sendoff

Lainey Quandt

         

What was your most memorable meet and why?

            The 2018 7A Outdoor State Track Meet was my most memorable meet.   There were a lot of close races and I was part of two of them - winning the 800 and 1600 both by 0.02 seconds.   The best part was our team's overall win.  It was just an exciting day all around!

 

Where did you face your biggest competition?

            I love going to the KU Relays.   We always have great races against really tough competition from all over the South and Midwest.

 

Out of all your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most and why?

            I have been really fortunate to be a part of some really amazing teams and some incredible relays.   Breaking the State Records in the 4x800 Outdoor, 4x400 Indoor and the 4x100 Freestyle Swim Relay are really memorable.  It was awesome to see our hard work pay off.

 

If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in High School?

            I would have more fun with it.  Running can be nerve wracking at times and I wish I would have pushed past some of the anxiety and just enjoyed the moment more.

 

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

            Running always has ups and downs, but having a stress fracture my Sophomore year of Cross Country and then having it reoccur as a stress reaction my Junior year of Cross Country was really difficult.  It was hard to train all summer and then not be able to help your team out at the end.

 

What will you miss the most?

            I am going to miss the people - from my coaches and teammates to my high school competitors.  I am especially going to miss running with my siblings (oldest sister, Sophie, for two years and my twin brother, Carter, for 4 years).  I love getting to go to meets and cheer on my friends and watch them succeed.

 

Do you have any advice for younger athletes?

            My advice would be to enjoy every moment because it goes by so fast.  I would also tell them to not let a bad practice or race define them.  They are so much more than just a runner and should use their bad practices and races to motivate them.

 

 What are your post high school or college plans?

            I plan on running Cross Country and Track for the University of Arkansas while pursuing a Nursing degree with a Spanish minor.


 

Who would you like to say thank you to?

            I would like to thank my coaches.   Coach Ramaker, Coach Evans, Coach K, Coach Hanson and Mrs. Pam have been awesome.  I would also like to thank my family and friends.   Their love and support have meant the world to me over the years.

 

 Check out Lainey's Athlete Profile