Caleb Wilfong Update
After third place in the 3200m and fourth in the 1600m, there were many eyes focused on Rock Bridge junior Caleb Wilfong. Coming into the season, Caleb came ranked second in the Big River rankings, only behind another Caleb, Caleb Hoover. After beating the Liberty boys in a 2-mile race, Wilfong overcame a loaded Forest Park XC Festival field that included Hoover. Shortly after, Caleb went on to place second at the Brooks Memphis Twilight. Following that came something that many runners struggle with, injuries. MoMilesplit caught up with Caleb and talked about his current situation.
Momilesplit: When did you find out you were injured?
Caleb Wilfong: I was late catching the injury. It started a bit before Forest Park, and it got progressively worse as time went on. I didn’t do anything about it. I started wearing the boot after my Memphis Twilight meet.
MS: How has that affected your training?
Caleb: I have had to cross train some days in the week to keep stress low on my leg, but that’s just what comes with being injured. At this point, I need anything to keep me as close to 100 as possible.
MS: You just won a district title, and have been coming back, what do you think you are capable of as the Championship season gets closer?
Caleb: I wouldn’t put a limit on what I am necessarily capable of. I have confidence in myself, and that I can continue to set the bar higher for myself and other runners in sectionals and state. The other runners will do the same.
MS: Your team has been amazing recently winning the Parkway West Invitational without you 100 percent, dominating Border Wars without you, and then claiming a District title with 29 points. What are your hopes for your team this year?
Caleb: My team is doing amazing; we get better as each week goes on. As a team I'm pretty sure our goal is to finish the state line and know that none of us could have put any more heart or guts into the race. All 7 of us are competitive people with other teams and each other. We help each other grow as the weeks go on. Hopefully that will lead to a strong finish.
MS: What have you done mentally to keep yourself on top despite not being able to race for an extended period of time?
Caleb: Having the team, family, and God on my side helps me mentally so much! All of them are behind me till I finish.
MS: Who do you have for the Class 4 girls race?
Caleb: Class 4 girls race is packed with awesome runners, your asking me to pick 1 out of potentially 7 or more girls that could win. Haha, if I must answer I will go with Quigley. She throws down great times week in and week out. But, as I said above there are a lot of girls with the potential to win. Its going to be a barn burner.