Name: Christian Brower
High School: Long Reach
What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment? Why is that?
My most memorable race in a Long Reach jersey would definitely be the elite mile at the Park Invite this year. I came into the race seeded around 6th, as no one thought I would be a serious contender. Even though I finished 3rd, I ran a great race against incredible competition, moving from 10th to 3rd over the course of the last lap. I finished with a 4:19 en route 1600 time, breaking the 4:20 barrier for the first time and also breaking Long Reach's school record for the event. What was special was that I was the only athlete from my school competing that Friday night, yet the amount of support and praise I received from the Long Reach community was immeasurable. (The top finisher shirt was pretty cool too).
Was there a certain moment or breakthrough race/meet when you realized you would be able to compete at a high level?
My first cross country race in my sophomore year, a Howard County league meet in March, really showed me what I was capable of doing. After the long wait for fall sports to resume due to the pandemic, I was as excited as ever to finally race again. I had really developed a hard work ethic over quarantine, which showed during the race when I finished 7th overall with a 16:34 5k. Coming into the meet, I had a freshman PR of 17:45 for 3 miles, and just 19:06 for the 5k. This meet definitely showed me what I'm capable of when I work hard and persevere.
What are some bumps in the road that you've encountered when it comes to training for different events during the season?
Outside of shin splints my sophomore year, I've been able to stay injury free for quite a while. However, some days are better than others regarding racing and training. You just have to look at the bigger picture whenever you feel like you underperformed. In the end, your entire season will show how much progress you've made as opposed to a singular race.
If you are writing a letter to your younger freshman self, what advice might you give them?
Keep going. Some days you will want to quit. You might think that you won't improve or be at the same level as others that you aspire to be. But progression can be slow, no matter how much work you put into it. If you continue to put in work and build good habits, you will become better at some point, whenever that might be. Most importantly, just have fun. It's a high school sport, and the most important thing you'll gain from it is the countless new people you'll meet, and the memories that come along with them. Running is not easy by any means, but the people who choose to push their limits and challenge themselves every day are the same ones succeeding in the end.
If you had to pick: Track and Field or Cross Country, why? (If you only run Track, then don't worry about explaining why).
If it's summer or fall, then my focus is on cross country. If it's winter or spring, then my focus is on track. Simple as that.
What are your post-high school or college plans? If Running in college, explain why you picked that school.
I will be continuing my cross-country and track career at Carnegie Mellon University. When I first started looking at colleges, I prioritized my education over running. However, both aspects were the key features that helped narrow down my list of schools. After months of emailing coaches, researching programs, and visiting schools, I had come to a clear decision. I picked CMU because I'll be able to study civil engineering at a very high level, while also competing for one of the best Division III distance teams in the nation!
What is your favorite pre-race snack, tradition, etc.?
Right before I start a race, I always pat my chest and point to the sky. I do this to show that whatever happens during that race, I have confidence in myself because of the abilities that God gives me. On another note, I always go to Noodles & Company with my teammates the night before every major meet, as it's great for team bonding. A few shenanigans here and there, but we always try to eat healthy and get good sleep the night before every race.
Name the top Maryland Cross Country or Track moment(s) you have witnessed. Can be by level of greatness or just something that really stood out to you.
There's quite a lot I've seen over the last four years, starting with the countless amazing performances that I've seen MD athletes showcase at county, regional, and state championships. I also had the privilege of running at Adidas Indoor Track Nationals and Penn Relays this year, where I was able to see a number of MD athletes represent our state on a national level.
Who would you like to say "thank you" to?
I want to give a huge thank you to everyone who's been involved and supported me my entire running career so far. There are way too many people to name individually. I'm so thankful for my family and friends that have supported me since I first began running, through every up and down. Also to my coaches and teammates, who have worked relentlessly with me to ensure that I can be the best athlete I can be, and a part of the best team possible. A thank you to my competitors as well, who I've grown strong friendships with throughout my four years. And lastly, I'm thankful to God for giving me my running abilities!
Is there anything else you would like to mention that stands out to you over the past 4 years?
I'm forever thankful for my high school running career! Running has helped change my life in such a positive way. It's helped me grow as an individual, and I've seen such growth throughout Long Reach Cross Country and Track & Field. I know this team is in good hands for years to come. The last thing I'd like to say is to watch out for Long Reach next year. Don't think to count us out.
