Caleb Feuerbacher (Maryville)
Q: What was your most memorable race/moment?
A: My most memorable moment was State Track 2018. I met so many new people and had an absolute blast with my team. Even though it only last 3 days, it feels like 2 weeks worth of adventures.
Q:Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
A: In my local area throughout my sophomore and junior year, Layne Worman of Chillicothe was one of my biggest competitors. He always pushed me to my max and is an amazing runner. Especially during my junior year, he and I took the pace out and smashed so many races together. He currently runs for NWMSU in my hometown has been one of my best friends.
Q: What was your greatest accomplishment?
A: My greatest accomplishment was taking home the State Title in the 3200m. It was something I could only dream of actually happening.
Q: If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
A: I don't think I would change anything. I didn't run cross my freshman year because I played soccer, but I think that helped me in the big picture.
Q: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
A: I had a few very minor injuries, but during the winter of my senior year I had a calf strain. I didn't run for 6 weeks and didn't do any quality running in 10-12 weeks.
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Q: What will you miss the most?
A: I will miss hanging out with my teammates and talking with people from other schools. Especially this last Track season, we have had so much fun messing and joking around.
Q: What advice would you give to younger athletes?
A: Don't worry if there are people/times that seem literally impossible to beat. At every single step in your running career: competition within your own school, conference, district, section, state, there are always those who are 'supposed' to win. Just because someone is on top or a time goal is super fast, doesn't mean you can't eventually sneak in there and win or smash the time. Be patient, and with time, you can take almost anyone/any times down.
Q: What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
A: My distance coach Rodney Bade was the number one reason I performed at a level way above what I thought I could. He doesn't over-stress us at every single small meet like I see many distance runners in our area do. Instead of tripling or quadrupling at every single small meet like I see too many distance runners do, we run our bests when we need to at important meets. He plans out all of our training and is an expert when it comes to perfecting our workouts for maximum gains. He was my science teacher in middle school as well, and we have a special bond when it comes to a passion for the sport. He took me from an uncoordinated, skinny, clueless and 6:03 miler in 8th grade to a state champ, and has taken Maryville cross and track to 3 team conference titles. Coach Bade is key to our success and deserves so much credit.
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Q: What are your college plans?
A: UMKC for the 6 year combined undergrad and medical school BA/MD program. Currently don't have a plan to run this semester, but possibly in the future!
Q: Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
A: Coach Powell, Coach James and Coach Ferguson have also been a great help during track season and throughout the year. My parents and family have also always supported me.
Q: What was the funniest thing that happened during your running career?
A: At one of our home meets I wanted to try pole vault. I had never done it before this point. I went up to vault 4 foot and barely cleared it. I then tried 6 foot (opening height) and fell on the bar and snapped it. I felt really bad, but we laugh about it now.