Name: Keely Gustafson
School: Morgan County R-2 High School
Q: What does your training look like right now given the current situation?
Q: What are you doing to stay busy other than run right now?
Q: What was your most memorable race/moment?
A: One of my most memorable races was last year when I placed in 4th in the 200 after not medaling in that race ever before
Q: What was the funniest thing that happened during your running career?
A: my freshman, sophomore and junior years we had a dream team 4x4, and before every relay we did together we'd always crack our inside jokes before some of our biggest races.
Q: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
A: My biggest competition has been my own mind and all of the battles I've had to overcome and my teammate Gracie Hamrick. She'll surprise you in a race if you underestimate her.
Q: What was your greatest accomplishment?
A: I'm an eight time state medalist, but being able to share five of those medals with my best friends Lauryn Shewmaker, Gracie Hamrick and Allison Taylor made it so much more worth all the pain and struggle.
Q: If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
A: I'd cheer louder and longer for all my teammates.
Q: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
A: I've dealt with shin splints and have always gotten anxiety before the 400.
Q: What will you miss the most?
A: The feeling of having a group of individuals that are going through the same pain as you for the love of the game.
Q: What advice would you give to younger athletes?
A: There are so many lessons you can learn in track and field. It's not just about running. Always show up, be the hardest worker in the room and cherish the people around you. And don't ever go out too fast in the 400.
Q: What kind of an impact has your coach had on you and your team?
A: I've had two coaches over the past four years, Broc Silvers and Aaron Allen. Coach Silvers made me feel like I had someone that knew I was special. Yes, he yelled at me a lot, but I knew that meant he cared about what we were doing and I can't thank him enough for the three years I got to spend with him. This year, we have been coached by Aaron Allen. He was the change I'm the program I didn't know we needed. He believes in all of us and believes in working with what he has. He loves hard workers and wants us to always do our best and to be the best people we can be, not just on the track. I may not get to run under him for much longer but he's already made an impact in my training and my daily life.
Q:What are your college plans?
A: I plan on attending Lindenwood University to major in elementary education and run track and field.
Q:Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
A: I want to say thank you to my mom and dad for always letting me go after the thing I wanted most: to run. They've been through every good and bad race I've had and been right there to tell me that it was all about the next race.
Q:Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A: I know one day I won't be running anymore. To everyone who is just starting out, make sure you live in these moments so that you never have to forget them.