After roaring onto the track scene as a sub 11 minute freshmen in the 3200 indoors, Hereford's Kelly Wesolowski spent two lost years virtually not running much at all in her sophomore and junior years.
However, she made a triumphant return this past fall and become one of Maryland's fastest distance runners again as she nearly qualified for Foot Locker Nationals (13th at Foot Locker Northeast) and clocked a 5K personal best of 17:41.
Ironically, it was her first and only cross country season of high school. She'll have plenty of more opportunities for cross country races at the University of Delaware next.
During the track season, Wesolowski ran under 11 minutes for 3200 in several races, won the Baltimore County indoor and outdoor titles in the event and finished as 2A state runner-up as well.
What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment?
My most memorable race was either when I broke Hereford's 30 year old 3200m school record in my first race as a freshman or when I ran a 10:47 just as a freshman. Another memorable race was when I ran 17:41 at the mile stat cross country invitational Virginia.That was such a fun meet.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
I've gotten the opportunity to compete against many talented runner. Some of those competitors have been Molly Offstein, and Hayley Jackson. They always pushed me to want to get better and be my best.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment has been being able to get back to training on a daily basis after a serious foot injury which kept me out for two years.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
If I had to do it all over again, I would have chosen to do cross country in ninth grade instead of soccer.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacle I had to overcome was during my sophomore year when I was diagnosed with Freiburg's infraction in my toe. This was caused from repeated stress to my foot from soccer. I had to stop running for nearly six months while wearing a surgical shoe. I returned to running and after about a week or so, I noticed the pain again. After a year of almost no running, it had failed to heal on its own and that's when I had to get surgery the fall of my junior year, which was also the year I decided to quit soccer. I was able to run again by the end of the indoor season of my junior year. However, I was frustrated. As a freshman I was one of the best in the state, a standout. But when I returned from surgery, I was slow and I felt like I was never going to get back to where I had been. I had to fight through, work hard, and stay strong though. And in the end I was able to regain my fitness, being successful in cross country and track my senior year. Although I am still not 100% back where I would like to be yet, I'm still working hard and excited for the future.
What will you miss the most?
I will definitely miss my coaches and my team the most. My team is like my second family and my coaches have been there for me 24/7, supporting me and pushing me to be my best.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
To younger athletes I would say, do not get yourself too stressed or put too much pressure on yourself. Sometimes things don't go the way you want them to, but you just have to accept it and move on and that is what makes you stronger in the end.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coach has taught me so many life lessons which I will carry with me to the next level.
What are your college plans?
I will be running division 1 cross country and track for the University of Delaware.
Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
I would like to say thank you to my coaches, teammates, and parents for everything they have done to support me in the last four years.
