Athlete of the Week - Alex Marko the Young Gun

What were the expectations coming into the season for Alex Marko?

My expectations for Alex at the season outset were to be a great leader for our team and for her to continue to improve.  Alex has only been running for about 22 months with our program and is starting to make significant gains.  A goal for me as her coach is for her to place in the top 10 of the state cross country meet in November.  She ran very well in track placing 6th in one of the best 3200 fields I can remember and thus I believe if she is running well will have a shot at top 10.


How have things changed for her since she first started running?  

Alex started running with our group in December of her sophomore year (2014) and fit in exceptionally well.  She had completed volleyball and was interested in possibly coming out for track so came to me to see if she could do winter conditioning.  I believe it was a little bit of a learning process for her but she is so coachable that she just took off from day 1.  We are now starting to test her limits a little bit within reason.  I always remind myself that she is really just going to be completing her 2nd full year of training so I can not over do things just because she hits a certain time in a meet or practice.  I would say that more than anything she as developed confidence and into a pretty savvy runner.


What are her strengths as a runner?  

I think Alex is extremely patient with racing and training.  She sets the bar very high but does things the correct way in meeting those standards.  Alex does NOT go through the motions on anything and is a very determined young lady.  The other side of what she brings daily is that it sets the tone for our team and what needs to be done to be successful.  Alex elevates everyone around her on a daily basis.  She is very much like many of the great runners we have had come through the doors of Lees Summit West High School on the intangibles.


As districts are now upon us what are your end of season goals for Alex Marko?

Alex had a little bit of a setback in September with a strained abductor muscle and is now looking very good in practices once again.  This was about a 4 week time period where she had to do a ton of cross training and PT.  Her work ethic and strong will has pulled her through this injury and I think she is stronger mentally as a result.  I have been very pleased with the last week of training and know she is on track for a great final three weeks of the season.  My goal is for her to continue to gain strength and feel relaxed, comfortable and confident mentally as we make our final push to Jefferson City.  


Predicting the future what three words would best describe her career?   

Successful, Outstanding & Humble


Do you have any advice for other coaches when working with talented athletes like Alex Marko?

I would say just enjoy the qualities that athletes like Alex bring to your program.  Enjoy the day to day process of working with athletes that do things the way they should be done and this will lay the foundation for your program to be successful.  I would also tell anyone that coaches athletes like Alex to remember to do things in moderation and let them develop, it is not an overnight process.  I feel so fortunate to have had a chance to coach her and respect what she brings to our program at Lees Summit West High School.  She is without a doubt TITAN STRONG!!