Riley Geldean: Centaurus To Wyoming

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

Between my junior and senior year, I took unofficial visits to Northern Arizona, Montana State, Colorado State, and Wyoming, and had great conversations with all of the coaches. Of these four schools, Wyoming stuck out to me the most, and I decided to go there on an official visit. On my visit, Coach Dahlberg and Coach Costello both had a lot of impressive things to say about the program they're building, and I didn't want to turn down such a good opportunity. 

Plus, a number of coaches I trust-Mark Roberts, Greg Weich, Kelly Christensen, Meghan Goodman-thought Wyoming would be a great fit for me.

Q) What do you plan to study at Wyoming? 

At Wyoming, I plan to study engineering. I've been involved with engineering since middle school and seeing Wyoming's brand-new engineering building definitely contributed to my final decision. 

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

I'd like to run a range of distances, but I've always found success in the longer distances. I think my strengths will lie in cross country as well as the 5k and 10k in track. 

Q) The first race we have on your MileSplit account is a 12:52 cross country two-mile at St. Vrain in 2013 - what do you remember of this race? (Can you share your experience?)

I don't remember much since it was 6 years ago, but I know it was only my second middle school race and I was a part of the Peak to Peak team. That race was the first of many races I ran on the Lyons course. From what I've heard (and sort of remember), I was right in it with two of my teammates, Quinn McConnell and Anna Shults. By the end of the race, it was a battle between Anna, Chantae Steele, and me. We all crossed the line within 2 seconds of each other. 

Q) You've been very consistent throughout your entire high school career - what would you attribute to such consistency? 

I've been fortunate to stay healthy throughout high school so that I could always toe the line. My physical therapist, Bob Cranny, has played a huge role in keeping me moving in the right direction, and I'm super thankful for maintaining fitness over the past four years.  

Q) You've had success in everything from the 1,600 up to the 5k, what would you say is your favorite event, and why? 

Honestly, I'm up for any event, but if I had to choose I would probably say either the 3,200 or the 5k, whether it's cross country or on the roads. When I was younger, I had a couple of great 3,000s and 3,200s, and by the time I got to high school, I knew how to race it well. For the 5k, it's basically just a 3,200 with a little added distance on the end, which I like. 

Q) What got you interested in running in the first place?

When I was 3, my babysitter would tell my mom how I would run laps and laps around the playground instead of actually playing on it. But my first organized running club was through Lafayette Elementary School. I came home one day in first grade and asked my dad if I could join the "fitness club" so that I would be able to run the BolderBoulder in the spring. 

Q) Could you share any goals you have for your senior year?

Since the State meet is this weekend, my main goal is to help my team to a high finish to round out our season. I'm also looking forward to working with my coaches, Meghan Goodman (Centaurus) and Kelly Christensen (REAL Training), to put together a plan for a successful track season. 

Q) What would your favorite high school moment be?

One of my most memorable experiences from the past four years was when my team flew out to California for the Woodbridge Classic during my sophomore year. It was the first time I had ever raced in the dark and it was a flat, fast course. I was in the lead pack until late in the race and ended up 4th with a 17:00 3-mile time. It was one of the best cross country races I ran during my high school career.