Julien Webster graduates from Catoctin High School as one of the most decorated runners in school history. She after all qualified for the Foot Locker Nationals this past fall and ran remarkable personal bests on the track including a 4:57 1600 and 10:37 this past weekend at the Maryland State Championships in 2A state runner-up finishes.
Webster achieved her first state title this past indoor season in the 3200 meter run and won 4 Frederick County titles in her career. She heads off next to compete a major Division 1 program in Syracuse University in the fall.
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Name: Julien Webster
School: Catoctin High School
Q: What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment?
A: My most memorable race was when I competed at the Footlocker Cross Country regionals in the Bronx, NY. I was so nervous for this race and I was really hoping to place in the top ten and get to compete at the national meet in San Diego. At the end of the race I was in 11th place and I remember giving it my all coming down the home stretch and I was able to finish in 10th and run a big cross country PR, while qualifying for the national race in California.
Q: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
A: There have been many great runners I've competed against in the past four years. Some of my biggest competitors include Hayley Jackson, Reilly Caldwell, Charlotte Kowalk, and Haley Wright. I am glad I had the opportunity to race against them and they really helped push me and motivate me as well.
Q: What was your greatest accomplishment?
A: I think my greatest accomplishment was finally breaking five minutes in the 1600m. It has been a goal of mine for quite some time and finally doing so my senior year at outdoor states was super exciting.
Q: If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
A: If I were able to do everything all over again I probably would've changed my outlook on running when I was a freshman. I always loved running, but as a freshman I wasn't as motivated as I am now and I would even sometimes goof off at practice. If I could go back I would've had more focus as a freshman.
Q: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
A: The most difficult obstacles with running is dealing with injuries. Although I only faced one or two minor ones, it is still something that is hard to deal with and something no runner likes to have. It was hard to stay mentally strong but I had to remember that taking a week or two off is much better than continuing to push the injury and make it worse.
Q: What will you miss the most?
A: I think the thing I will miss the most about high school running is the friendly competition that has been built throughout the years. I have made many friends throughout the sport and I'm going to miss racing them and seeing them at the meets.
Q: What advice would you give to younger athletes?
A: To the younger athletes, it is important to stay positive even when races don't go the way you want them to. Dealing with disappointment is what helps make you stronger and it makes the success feel even better. It is also important to stay focused on your goals and not let any negativity distract you or drag you down.
Q: What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
A: I have had many coaches throughout my running career. Every single one has had a positive impact on me and helped me get to where I am now. I could not be more thankful for the amazing coaches I've had, they have been great role models to me and they believed in me and encouraged me to do my best.
Q: What are your college plans?
A: I will be continuing my running career at Syracuse University. Go Orange!
Q: Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
A: I would like to thank my parents, my coaches, my friends, and my family. Thank you all for always supporting me and helping me be the best that I can be!
