A winning mix
Hard training, a lean racing schedule, and smart coaching are the keys to the consistent success that Latrobe has enjoyed over the past three years. Arguably the most important factor is a group of talented runners coming together behind a common goal that they all aspire to achieve. Behind this group, however, are the individuals who push the athletes to exhaustion but rein them in, when needed, motivate them with grand dreams but humble them with a stopwatch. For Natalie Bower and company, this individual has been Teresa Curci.
Coaching matters
Curci has led this squad into the battle that is the PIAA AAA Girls State Championships with 2 top-10 finishes and a championship out of the past three years. Expectations and goals are usually fostered from the top, and in the case of Latrobe, a culture of success has been fostered by the coaching staff. Each year success has built upon success, and the newer runners have had experienced runners to model. Coaches often have to keep runners from doing too much so they stay healthy, and Latrobe blends hard training with cross training to keep the runners fresh and sharp. Curci utilizes pool workouts after long distance runs to facilitate muscle recovery. The team also works on breathing techniques to keep the body relaxed during a strenuous effort.
Hard training
Few runners have worked as hard as Natalie Bower has over the last 3 years, and yet the ultimate success for a high school XC runner has eluded her, an individual state championship. In three state meet appearances Natalie has finished 4th each time. As a frosh she finished 4th while Greater Latrobe won the team championship. As a sophomore she finished 4th while her team took 9th, and as a junior she finished 4th while her team took 10th. Consistent performance year after year is a practical guarantee from this squad, and this year they are training hard and smart to be in good enough shape to mix it up with the best in the state, in a return to the form that won a team championship in 2005. Consistent performance has given way to breakthrough performances this spring as Natalie exploded with PR’s of 4:55.42 for 1600 and 10:55.22 for 3200. Expect these efforts to be modeled by her teammates, who have watched her closely to learn what it takes to be successful.
Race less, train more
Race schedule
9/6 Gettysburg
9/27 Carlisle
10/2 Westmoreland County
10/4 Pittsburgh - Central Catholic???
10/16 Tri-states
Greater Latrobe races enough invitationals to experience racing and keep tabs on the competition, but keeps things light enough to train appropriately for the championship races. This focus on racing smarter will allow the team to be fresh and ready to go at the end of a long season. Changing individual tactics while racing will also allow the Latrobe runners to squeeze the most potential out of each effort to place higher individually than they all did last year.
The team
Natalie and fellow senior Abby Hewitt are in great shape this summer, remember what it was like to win, and have spent the summer preparing this year’s squad for the effort it will take to stand atop the podium. Mary Jo Jakubek, a stellar soph runner last year, suffered a stress fracture this spring, however she is rebounding nicely. Sisters Nicole and Caitlin Egan will be battling for the 4-5 spots this year, and Genie Fratto and Valerie Dunlap round out the squad. Incoming freshman runners Alex Bramt, Annie Jakubek, and Laura Hennessy will keep the varsity on their toes as all three runners were very talented 8th graders. All three were able to run varsity workouts over the summer and will be ready to race when their opportunity comes.
Underdogs race better
Going into the season this squad will be underdogs with Emmaus the clear favorite, followed by Cumberland Valley and Liberty. Without the label of ‘favorite’, Latrobe will be able to focus on their workouts and races without the pressure to perform each time a starter pistol cracks through the fall air. Latrobe has their goals and expectations set for the year and they aren’t afraid of anyone. If everything goes according to plan, than they could be atop the podium at Hershey in November.