Salute to Seniors: Katie Tuck

What was your most memorable meet or race?

I have three. Winning the 4x800 my freshman year at state, the 1600 my junior year at state, and this year’s Festival of Miles. They were all reminders of how hard work pays off and capped off my seasons wonderfully.

If you could do it all over again is there anything you would change?

I would not change a single thing. I have definitely had some ups and downs in my running career but they helped me evolve into the runner and person that I am today. I can honestly say that I have truly loved every moment of my high school career, so what would there be to change?

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

The thing about the Smithville Girls Team is that we are a family. So one person’s troubles become the whole team’s troubles. It’s beautiful how everyone is always there for one another. We made it through huge events like our coach passing away after fighting breast cancer for 14 years and mental illnesses, and we also were there for each other throughout our daily struggles in our personal lives. I could not have stayed mentally sane without my team.

What will you miss the most?

I will miss my team. They are my best friends and are a huge part of the runner I am today. I owe so much to them. Also, I will miss my parents being able to come to every race; it means a lot seeing them in the stands and on the cross country course.

Do you have any advice for younger athletes?

Just enjoy it. Run because you love it, if you do that, then I believe that everything else will fall into place. The more I fell in love with the sport, the more my times dropped and the faster I got.

What are your college plans?

I will be attending the University of Missouri-Kansas City to run track and cross country and pursue a career in Pharmacy. GO ROOS!

Who would you like to thank?

To begin, I would like to thank my number one fans, my parents. My mom, for always providing love and endless support. My dad for instilling an unshakable, competitive, confidence and mental toughness in me. My team, for making every speed workout and long run fun. And last but not least, he fabulous coaching that I have been blessed with throughout my years at SHS.

2013 College Commitments

<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> <em style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: invert none 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana;">Want to be featured in our Salute To Seniors series? &nbsp;Email PEverett@milesplit.com and answer the questions above! Congratulations to the seniors on all their hard work and success.</em><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana;">&nbsp;</span></p> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> &nbsp;</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p> &nbsp;</p>