Regarding being one of the top cross-country runners in the state of Pennsylvania, Peters Township senior Brett Kroboth has established himself as one of the elite runners this season.
This summer, Brett knew adjustments to his training would be needed if he wanted to improve his senior season. "A lot of my adjustments were outside of running; more foam rolling, more stretching, eating right, and increasing mileage," explained Kroboth. These additions to his training regimen have resulted in more success this season. Kroboth has finished first or second in the four invitationals and finished the regular season undefeated in section meets. "I am very satisfied with this season; it has been going awesome, just like I wanted it to. Winning the Red, White, and Blue Invitational was great, then knocking off 12 seconds from last year on the state course and placing second at PIAA Foundation to Brian DiCola, who is a crazy good runner, was awesome," he said.
Peters Township head coach Tim Wu described Kroboth's work ethic as one of a kind.
"He wants to be a competitor. He wants to win. He works hard every day at practice without complaining. He is always willing to learn new skills and strategies," said Wu.
Kroboth goes into every race with the mentality that he can win the race and gives a maximal effort which has helped him to fuel his competitive fire.
"I believe that one of my biggest strengths is my competitive spirit. I'm the guy that will give 110% in every type of game I compete in, whether it be miniature golf, pickup basketball, or gym class. My determined mindset helps me in races when it gets mentally tough," Kroboth added.
Coach Wu continued, "Brett plans and has a strategy for every race. He executes it. If he says he will go out fast and try to hold on, he will practice what he preaches. He wants to make sure he is mentally strong for every race."
With the WPIAL Cross Country Championships one week away, Brett's goal is to break the 16:15 he ran at the course earlier this season and place in the Top-Two in the boys AAA race. "Drew Griffen and Jack Bertram, as well as many other great runners, are going to push me to run my best," said Brett.
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Athlete Profile
Favorite Course: Hersey Park
Cross Country Personal Best: 15:29 (Mingo)
2022 Red, White, and Blue Invite 1st
2022 Mingo Classic 2nd place
2022 PIAA Foundation 2nd place
2022 Marty Uher Invite 2nd place
2021 WPIAL Finals 4th
2021 PIAA Finals 5th
2021 Mingo Classic 2nd
2021 Bald Eagle Invite 1st
2021 Red, White, and Blue Invite 2nd
2021 Marty Uher Invite 2nd
2021 Eastbay Northeast Regional XC Qualifier
Q&A with Brett Kroboth
Is there a coach or athlete you look up to as a role model, and why?
Peters Township XC goat Zack Marmol - He taught me all I know about running. Without him, I can say that I am not in the position I am in today.
What is your favorite memory about Cross Country?
Making memories with my teammates/friends the weekend of the state championship last year. I'll never forget the feeling of them being at the finish line cheering me on after getting 5th in the state.
What's something most people don't know about you?
I did not run cross country in middle school and did not intend to run in high school. However, my older brother had friends on the team that pushed hard for me to participate even before they knew I was any good.
What is your favorite sports quote?
"The comeback is always stronger than the setback."
If you could only accomplish one of these feats, which one would you like to achieve; Sub 1:56 800m, Sub 4:10 1600m, Sub 8:55 3200m run, or Sub 15-minute 5k?
Sub 8:55 would be crazy !!!
What team or individual performance are you most proud of?
PIAA Foundation getting second and my teammate Zach Byers placed 32nd.
Which brand of running shoes do you prefer?
Nike
If you could go on a run with anyone, who would it be? Why?
Patrick Anderson of Mount Lebanon, I never got to run with him. I looked up to him in my first year; he is an unbelievable runner.
