Name: Kasey Klocek
School: Green Mountain High School
What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment?
My most memorable race would be at state my freshman year in the 4x400. My teammates Kiersten Allen, Annie Janus, and Saylor Sargent put our team in a great place going into the final lap, so all I had to do was finish the race. We ended up winning state and I'll never forget when I was rounding the last corner, a race official told me to give it all I had. That race was so rewarding because my teammates worked so hard for that moment and we were all fatigued due to the state meet being two days, but we pulled together.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
Over my four years, I would say my biggest competition has been Tiya Chamberlin and Rachel Goodrich. Both of them are in my league, so I run against them all the time and we always push each other. Tiya and Rachel are so nice and we always talk off the track or XC course, but we also make each other better in races.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment has nothing to do with times or school records, but with my team. I think the biggest thing that I have achieved is that I have created an environment on the track and cross country teams where the team can have fun while working hard. The team has learned how to be focused and work hard, while still enjoying each other's company.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your career in high school?
If I could do it all over again, I would try to be more positive. I would focus on the things I did well in a race, instead of getting caught up on the negatives. I would also try to relax more before races because I always race better when I am relaxed.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacles I had to overcome were mental. I had to learn how to see the bigger picture and accept that every race won't be perfect.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss my teammates the most. Shout out to Emma Berg, Mary Cate Golden, Celia Frazier, Grace Metcalf, and Bridget Golden for making this year so much fun. You guys are the best!
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
One thing I would tell younger athletes is to be patient. You can't always have your best race every race. Try to appreciate everyone around you and appreciate the opportunity to run instead of looking at the negatives.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coaches over the years (Coach Wright, Coach Olson, Coach Vestal, Coach Boston, Coach Lazer) have all inspired me to push myself. All of these coaches have believed in my abilities and made good training plans for me to reach my potential. Also, all of these coaches have kept me free from major injury!
Coach Boston always reminds me that running is an activity you can do for your whole life which helps me stay motivated. Overall, all of these coaches have supported me to reach my goals.
What are your college plans?
I am committed to run at South Dakota State University with a plan to major in pharmacy.
Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
I would like to thank Coach Lazer, Coach Boston, Coach Wright, Coach Vestal, and Coach Olson for always pushing me and inspiring me.
I would like to thank my parents and brother for sitting through four hour track meets, traveling four hours for cross country, and always having my back.
I would like to thank my past and present teammates (including the basketball team) for making me laugh and for getting me through tough workouts. I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to spend my days with. Lastly, I would like to thank all of the officials for spending their time keeping courses in order and keeping track meets running.
Editor's Note: A favorite Kasey Klocek Moment came moments after she won the Standley Lake Invite - read: "A Green Mountain Sweep At The Standley Lake Invite"
