Miriam Roberts: Lion to Thunderwolf

You've had a brother and a sister who were very successful high school runners before you. Did that make your success easier to come by or more difficult?

 

I would probably have to say a little of both. I have been able to watch Andrew's and Melissa's success, learn from their experiences in both high school and college, and be motivated by them as well. But it is also sometimes difficult to live up to their success. Our parents have never put pressure on us, but we all have a competitive nature that pushes us to want to live up to expectations and goals we set for ourselves, and it's not hard to find goals when we've watched our older siblings' achievements. Overall, it's definitely been more of a blessing than a curse.

 

I have some pretty vivid recollections of a big jump between your sophomore and junior years of high school. Can you point to anything that helped make the difference?

 

My sophomore year was what some people might call the sophomore jinx. I missed Melissa, but it was more that I forgot what it felt like to race. I wasn't willing to push through the pain in the middle of races, and by the end of cross country, I was burned out and, every time I thought about running, I hated it. So instead of winter training, I played basketball. Although basketball didn't necessarily help my track season, I was staying active, and I think it helped refresh my love for running. Basketball, along with Coach Boele, Coach Akers, and my dad all helped me regain focus, and I committed to working harder in the off season. I really think it was the focus and determination that I put into my summer training before my junior year that had the biggest impact. Coach Boele also knew I was scared of running and was always there to motivate me when I needed it, along with my dad, who is always motivating me to not only be a better runner but a better person. 

 

Can you point to a favorite high school memory?

 

I have so many good memories, but I think I would have to say that this cross country season has been the most memorable for me, maybe because it is the freshest thing in my mind. Our team was so motivated this year starting in June, and we were running together at least three times a week. When the flood hit and we were displaced from our high school for several months, running was the one constant we all had to keep things feeling somewhat normal. And obviously getting second as a team and winning a state championship helped to cap off a memorable season. 

 

Is there any unfinished business you want to scratch off the list in your final season of high school track and field?

 

Our 4x800 meter relay team is looking to make some noise at state. Paonia ran an amazing time last year and Hotchkiss has a great team too, so we definitely have our work cut out for us, but that is one of my goals for this track season. I am also looking to break 5 in the 1600 and 11 in the 3200.

 

In many respects, CSU-Pueblo is still an emerging program in the ranks of collegiate track and field. Tell us about what drew you to the school and to the program.

 

CSU-Pueblo was my first college visit, so I went with very few expectations. And everything just seemed to fit. I really enjoyed hanging out with the team. I enjoyed the family atmosphere of the team and coaches, and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to help a new program. I'd also like to pursue a degree in nursing, and the professor I met with made it clear they would work with my athletic schedule to help me be successful in both.

 

What are you planning to study at CSU-Pueblo?

 

I'm looking forward to studying nursing. I have an aunt who is a nurse and several other family members in the medical profession, and I'd like to be able to work with young children, hopefully overseas. I have relatives in Cambodia and Tajikistan, and I've seen how much the third world has a need for medical care. 

 

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Two dates you might want to circle on your calendar if you're in the area are April 19 and May 2. Those would be the dates of the Boulder County Championships and the St. Vrain Invitational, respectively. These are meets for which the Lions always save up a little extra effort. Given the cross country season just behind her, 5 minutes and 11 minutes seem like worthy goals. 

 

And, as the fortunes of CSU-Pueblo track and field continue to rise, you just might see Miriam Roberts playing a significant role in that over the next four years.