Bailey Walser's dedication to distance running, even when it meant doing it solo, is rewarded with a signing at Kansas Wesleyan University. Photo by Alan Versaw.
************
Bailey Walser's best marks:
800 meters - 2:25.72
1600 meters - 5:35.29
3200 meters - 12:18.02
5K cross country - 19:50.1
************
Tell us about the decision for Kansas Wesleyan--what convinced you to commit there and what you plan to study there?
My decision to sign with Kansas Wesleyan was that I knew that the cross country program was very good, and I knew it was a great opportunity for me to run at the next level. For my education, I will be studying Elementary Education.
If things go the way you hope they do, what event or events do you want to emphasize in college?
If all things go as planned, the events that I will be wanting to emphasize on are the 800, the two mile, and then hopefully some relays
You've more or less been the distance program at Merino High School, or at least the girls distance program. What's that been like--training by yourself and all?
Training by myself has been tough, but I know that I just have to keep going and work through it. For track this year I have been training with the boys and just try to work hard to keep up with them.
Pick a favorite high school moment for us--either cross country or track.
I have a lot of favorite moments in both cross country and track . But I would have to say my freshman year of track . That was the year that I got to be part of a team that won an state championship. I got to be part of three relays that won first, and that was probably my favorite moment.
With a month left in your high school career, what goals are there still on the table?
It is crazy to think that school is going to be over. Umm, I still have many goals to still accomplish, but a few are just to keep training hard and keep my mind focused, and then hopefully come home with a few first place medals. But mainly just keep improving my times and to get faster.