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<strong>Colorado's Class of 2014 makes their decisions...</strong></p>
Katie and Gabby Sered opted to stick together a little longer, both signing with UCLA. Contributed photo.
Gabby Sered's best marks:
800 meters - 2:23.64
1600 meters - 5:19.64 (at altitude)
3200 meters - 11:30.67 (at altitude)
5K cross country - 18:10.1
Katie Sered's best marks:
800 meters - 2:25.30
1600 meters - 5:24.59 (at altitude)
3200 meters - 11:34.31 (at altitude)
5K cross country - 18:10.1
What's the draw at UCLA that's pulling you from Colorado Springs all the way to southern California?
Gabby: UCLA has always been my dream school; I love the culture, the dynamic student body and the diversity of the campus. The campus is open, diverse and culturally rich. During my official visit, I fell in love with the team, the campus, the Coaches, the sunshine and the overall California lifestyle. It was an amazing experience and I look forward to the city living and the warm California sun! We learned a fun fact during our tour: if UCLA was a country, it would be 5th in gold medals! How cool is that?!
Katie: Yes, and they have the most NCAA sports championships in the country! Not only are the athletics outstanding, but academically UCLA is a powerhouse, too! I absolutely loved the campus -- the rich history, the architectural beauty, the campus simply offered the whole collegiate experience. Not only is the actual campus beautiful, but the surrounding area offers so much opportunity to reach my full potential. The team and coaches were amazing--so positive, energetic about the University and the running program. I felt immediately "at home" and connected to the team.
Do you have a planned major in mind yet at UCLA?
Katie: Broadcasting--sports journalism
Gabby: Pre-Med, I want to be a dermatologist.
The varsity cross country team at Pine Creek this last fall was kind of heavy in sister pairs. Does that ever create any interesting situations that most teams wouldn't imagine ever happening?
Katie: Yes, having a sister--a twin!--is an amazing experience; so much fun watching the faces of others when they do a double take as we pass by. It has been an amazing, unique experience and we are so blessed to have each other as teammates.
Gabby: We are each others biggest supporters--and, most fierce competitors. We always finish within seconds of each other. Funny how that happens.
When you warm up and prepare mentally for races, do you go your own separate ways for a bit or are you just as much together there as anywhere?
Gabby: We warm up together. Then, a few minutes before the race we separate and get into our own groove and mindset. We pump each other up and encourage each other before each race.
Katie: Before every race, Gabby and I have our own handshake to get us pumped up for the race--it's a ritual that is part of our unique twin thing!
Do you ever talk with each other during races, or is it all business once the racing starts?
Gabby: Talk? I can barely breathe! No, I stay focused. Once I start racing, it is only me and the course.
Katie: No, we never talk, all business once the race begins--we are competitors and once the race starts, Gabby is another competitor.
You've accomplished quite a bit lot together--can you pick a favorite high school memory?
Gabby: Nationals was amazing--what an outstanding opportunity, to compete with runners at the elite level! And, the swag was great!
Katie: I love regionals. The warmth of the Arizona sun is a good fit for me. We both enjoy the warmth and it is so exciting to showcase our talents on this fast course.
What goals do you have in mind for your final season of high school track?
Gabby: I want to continue to improve and contribute to my team winning a state championship! I want to end my year on a high note. Pine Creek has been amazing: Coach Oliver has played such a pivotal role in helping me grow as an athlete and individual--I am so thankful for his guidance. And, my teammates have been my best friends throughout high school!
Katie: Absolutely, Coach has been a mentor and has been instrumental in helping me grow and succeed. I am very grateful for the opportunity to run for such a great coach, team, and program. I love my teammates--we have a strong bond. I want to end my season with a bang--to enjoy a fun, positive, successful season.
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Even though we don't compete in the same classification as Pine Creek, I have to confess I have mixed feelings about the Sered twins moving on to college. They have been instrumental in beating us more times than I care to remember. But, it's also been a joy to watch their bonded performances. And, I very much intend to enjoy the spectacle as the Sereds join their teammates in making a serious, and spirited, run at a state title this spring. It's a good spring to be living in Colorado Springs.