(Wade Speeth is a 2020 Brecksville Broadview Heights graduate who competes in cross country and distance track events for Muskingum University)
Coverage -
What have been the highlights of your college career to this point?
Opening up my collegiate career with big PR's and bigger workout performances. When I didn't get my senior year of track I became worried that I would lose my speed and flow, but this was not the case.
Discuss the transition from high school competition to competing at the college level. What adjustments did you have to make in order to be as successful as possible?
Collegiate running is way more serious (in a good way). The people there have decided to continue with the sport that they love just as you have. I've noticed that my training has gotten more serious and my decision making has been stricter than in high school. It's the people around you that make you this way. Your teammates want what you want.
Tell us about your training regimen by giving a general overview of what goes into getting prepared for your next big meet.
You always have to watch what you eat and monitor your sleep. In college you have way more freedom than you did in high school, so you have to make good choices all season long to be ready for meets. Typically I try to get everything done 2 hours before I would normally go to bed on a meet day, because sleep is one of the most important factors.
I also would make sure that I would eat things that wouldn't affect my performance, because there are tons of food options at college and no one is holding you back so it's easy to make a mistake. Lastly, I make sure to stretch out frequently. Stretching is one of the most important factors in feeling good the next morning and also from keeping me injured.
What goals do you hope to accomplish during this upcoming year?
This year I'm set on making XC nationals and breaking Muskingum University's 5k (indoor and outdoor) records.
What advice can you offer incoming freshmen and high school athletes, who intend on competing in college, on how to best deal with the higher caliber of competition they'll encounter at the next level? Also, what tips can you provide regarding the balance between training commitments and academic demands?
Take it seriously, but have fun. The people around you wanted to continue with the sport because they love it as much as you do. As far as competition goes, it will be way harder at first because you're going against people who have the same knowledge, skill, and fight that you do.
I always concentrate on getting my work done ASAP. You have more freedom in college so setting aside work and assignments is a much easier thing to do than in high school, which in turn can mess with your training and sleep schedule. I recommend getting your work done immediately when you have the time to do it because trust me when I say you'll have time to do it. I have never really come across this problem because I attend The Muskingum University, but I bet this could help some incoming freshman this year!
