Name: Aspen Tolman
School: Standley Lake High School
Most Memorable Race: Pat Amato invite, the varsity girls race got cancelled halfway thru, we were given the chose to run in the open girls race and I chose. Running it twice was not my most memorable moment, it was the team. My team lined the course and every step of the way my team, my cross country family was with me.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
Not sure, I've met many girls who are incredible athletes that have challenged me.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
I would say my greatest accomplishment was running with my team at dessert twilight, and having a team placing as 1st in the champion race.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your career in high school?
I would change my mindset. For awhile running was no longer fun and I had forgotten why I ran. I let my mentality hold me back.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Some of the hardest obstacles for me was running and not producing times for the pain I felt. It is extremely hard to race with your all and then still be disappointed in the clock.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss the community, when the race ends we are no longer competitors. I will miss the congrats, handshakes, tears, and mutual suffering as well as mutual celebrating.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
Put in your hair bow, and run with a smile. I always run with a hair bow because it reminds me to be happy. We chose to run because we're drawn to the sport, our best awards are our own happiness. If you win and you hate running then there is no point.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
Some of my greatest coaches have told me to run with my heart. My coaches have inspired me to pursue running in college and have pushed me faster than I thought possible.
What are your college plans?
I am planning on attending Montana State University- Billings to get my masters in elementary education. While I am there I am planning on running for their cross country and track/field team.
Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
Thank you to Coach Rosset for always having my back and making the team a family. I also would like to thank my parents who will cheer my on and always be there to support me.
Thank you to my other coaches for pushing me further and believing in me.
Lastly, thank you to my Standley Lake Cross Country family, we have shared blood, sweat, and tears over the past couple of years, I do not know where I would be without you.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Everyone faces trials, and we all deal with them in different ways. Whether it's not qualifying for state, getting disqualified from an event, not meeting a goal, or facing a canceled season, we all face trials. The important part is how we build each other up and get over our trials. Our only limitation is our minds.
***Calling All Seniors - We Want To Hear From You! Fill out this Q&A, and e-mail your responses to Bobby at breyes@milesplit.com.