PA Salute to Seniors: Liz Wedekind - Pennsbury HS
What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable race was at the 2013 PA Cross Country State Championships. Going into the race, my team and I knew it was going to be a battle for the gold. My team and I gave it everything we had and luckily it was enough to allow us to win the State Championships for the third year in a row!
Where did you face your biggest competition?
We faced our biggest competition at the XC District Championships. It was a rough race where we had a tough loss but it only made us more determined to finish out the season strong with new goals of our own.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
The biggest accomplishment my team and I received was being able to work so hard throughout practices and have it show and be worth it when it came down to big meets. Being able to "three peat" was truly one of the best moments of my life and the biggest accomplishment throughout my years of running for Pennsbury.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
Something I would change about my athletic career throughout high school would be enjoying every moment I had. Instead of wishing the race would end sooner, I wish I would have cherished it more because I will never be able to get that moment back again.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacles I had to overcome were the ones within myself. I had a poor mental attitude about running during my senior year which reflected how I ended up running at practices and races. I really had to become more positive to free my mind and just run.
What will you miss the most?
I will definitely miss the girls I have met on this team. We have formed such a close bond and without their encouragement and support, I don't think I would have made it through. I will also miss my coaches, especially Coach Little who encouraged me not to stop especially as a freshman when the first practice I went to was an 8 mile run!
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
My advice is no matter how hard the practices may get, and no matter how badly you may want to stop, don't. Every workout only makes you stronger both mentally and physically and will ultimately be worth it in the end.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
My coaches have influenced me both on the course and off. They taught me to set goals for myself and I know without them, I wouldn't be the athlete or person I am today.
What are your college plans?
I plan to attend Elizabethtown College in the fall, majoring in Business. I will be running for Etown and can't wait to share new experiences with my teammates and become a baby bluejay!!!
Want to be featured in our Salute To Seniors series? Drop me a line: don@penntrackxc.com and answer the questions below! And if you can, point us to a pic or two or include them with your email. Make sure you have the right to use it, please.
