Salute To Seniors: Laura Bess - West Lafayette Harrison

Salute To Seniors: Laura Bess - West Lafayette Harrison


What was your most memorable race?

Semi-State in cross country. That Carmel Semi-State is just loaded and making it out is a true testament to your ability as a runner.

Out of all of your high school accomplishments which stands out the most?
 
It would have to be going under five minutes for the mile. Only a couple of girls did it this year and I'm honored to be one of those girls. Also, to make MVP and set school records at two different schools.
 
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
 
If I could redo my high school career, I would listen to my body better. I could have avoided a lot of heartbreak if I had listened to all the little niggles that developed into bigger things.

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
 
A pretty difficult obstacle for me was transferring schools and changing teams halfway through high school. Additionally, coming back after my junior cross country season to be able to compete in the state meet in track was a major accomplishment.

What will you miss the most?
 
I will miss the atmosphere that Indiana high school running is. We might not be the best state, but i'd say we're the most passionate.

Do you have any advice for younger athletes? 
 
My advice for younger athletes would be to listen to their bodies and not to just work through pain. You have four years. Enjoy it. Don't get too caught up on just doing well, that will come.

What are your college plans?
 
My college plans are to run at Miami University and study bioengineering.

Who would you like to say thank you to?
 
I would like to say thank you to all the coaches, parents, and trainers who have put up with my stubbornness over the years. I've learned a lot and i couldn't have grown up to be the young woman or runner i am today without them.
 
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Want to be featured in our Salute To Seniors series? Drop me a line: TGrasley@milesplit.com and answer the questions above! Congratulations to the class of 2012 on all their hard work and success.