Caroline Eck: Mountain Vista To Vanderbilt


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Caroline Eck's Best Marks

800 - 2:18.45

1,600 - 5:02.24

3,200 - 10:55.19

5k - 17:49

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Q) Talk about the recruitment process - what other schools were you looking at, and how did you come to choosing Vanderbilt?

I went into the process with an open mind and wanted to look at all different types of schools. I visited a very diverse list including Loyola Marymount (California), University of Colorado, Iowa State, Boise State, and Vanderbilt. My coach and I decided that it would be in the best interest of the team for me to be entirely focused on my senior cross country season to achieve all of our goals. I took one visit to Boise State in the fall but pushed the remaining four until early January and February. From the very beginning of the recruiting process, the number one quality I was searching for was a tightly knit team. While all of the schools I visited had amazing coaches and programs, Vanderbilt had the combination of location, campus, academics, coaches and team atmosphere I was looking for. After the visit, I couldn't see myself anywhere else.

Q) What do you plan to study at Vanderbilt?

I am planning on majoring in Human and Organizational Development which is a liberal arts degree that focuses on public policy and finding solutions to problems within companies or communities.

Q) What got you into cross country/track in the first place?

I started playing soccer when I was four, then moved to playing competitively where I discovered that I was the only one on the team who actually enjoyed running and got excited about the one mile fitness tests. After joining Mountain Vista's Summer running camp between 7th and 8th grade, I decided that is what I wanted to do throughout high school and beyond.

Q) You've had success in everything from the 800 on up to the 5k, what would you say your favorite event is, and why?

If I had to choose, it would be the 2 mile or 5k, but honestly, I don't have a favorite event. I love the longer races because it takes a certain kind of training and mental strength.

Q) You've consistently been among the best in the state every year since your freshmen year, what would you say attributed to your consistency over the years?

I was lucky enough to have an amazing team around me during my years at Mountain Vista who showed me what's important and what you'll remember most through it all. Working towards a common goal was definitely the largest contributing factor to individual and team success.

Q) What event do you see yourself focusing on at Vanderbilt?

The 5k or 10k, but I am open to anything.

Q) Could you share any goals you have for the upcoming track season?

We want to place high in the 4x800 at the State Meet, but individually, the goal is just to have fun and enjoy my last season.

Q) What would your favorite high school moment be (so far)?

While being part of a state championship team and having the privilege of going to NXN were highlights of my time at Vista, my favorite memory is the Cereal Run. Last track season, the girls team had the idea of waking up before 4 a.m. after a race to go shopping for Lucky Charms, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and any other kind of sugary cereal. We then drove to Deer Creek Canyon to do a long run and watch the sunrise. Ten boxes of cereal were waiting for us when we finished.