As part of the Hoka One Future Stars program, MileSplit is highlighting some of the top underclass cross country runners throughout the country. Our next profile will feature Abby Yourkavitch. In seven of her eight races this season, Yourkavitch finished in the top ten, including her first career victory at the Big Spring Invitational in September. She also earned four other top three finishes, including 3rd place finishes at District 3 and the Mid Penn Conference. She finished 13th at states and was a 2nd team all state cross country selection. Yourkavitch talks to PennTrack about her debut season!
Tell us how you got started with competitive running.
I started running when I was 8, in a series of small cross country races that were local. I also joined running camps directed by my coach.
What were some of your goals heading into this season?
At the beginning, I just wanted to qualify for states, but as I improved through the season, I realized I could earn a state medal. I decided to make that my goal about halfway through the season.
What did the coaches expect from you this season?
I think my coach just wanted me to get out there and run my best. As the season went on, we started making goals for me to be towards the front at the big meets.
How nervous were you for your first race? What did you want to accomplish?
I was so nervous that I was almost in tears, but the more races I ran, the more confident I became and started to get more excited for my races instead of nervous.
Talk about the one race that gave you the belief that you could be really good this season.
I really didn’t have too much confidence until about halfway through the season at the Central Catholic Invitational in Pittsburgh. I came in second at that meet behind Kelsey Potts, and I knew she was an incredible runner, so being second in that meet gave me a lot of hope.
How have you gotten along with your older teammates as you have moved up the ranks of the team?
We get along really well. In the beginning, I was scared that they wouldn’t like me if I beat them, but we’ve grown so close that they’re like a second family, and we all support each other 100%.
How did your goals change going into the big meets?
My goals changed a lot. In the smaller meets, I was okay running in the 19:20s, but as we got to the bigger meets, I wanted to run very low 19 minutes, and wanted to break 19:00. I ran 19 flat at the state meet, and am hoping I can break it at the Footlocker regional.
Has running become your favorite sport? Why or why not?
Absolutely! Running gets me through everything. When I’m having a bad day at school, I look forward to the run at the end of the day. If I couldn’t run, I don’t know what I’d do.
Which course has been your favorite to run? Least favorite?
My favorite course this season was the Hershey Parkview course, the state version, because that’s where my PR is, and I love the hills. My least favorite course is the State College course, because it’s so flat, but not really fast, and I ran my worst race there.
What are you most excited about going forward as a runner?
I’m most excited about running in the big meets next year. I’m hoping to have the District III title by my senior year, and definitely be a strong competitor for the state title.
