-Athlete Name: Meghan Vogel
-School: West Liberty-Salem High School
-Year of Graduation: 2013
-Best time in a 5K race and in which meet:
18:58.55 at the State Cross Country Meet in Hebron.
-Tell us how your summer training is going?
My summer training is going really well. Along with increasing my mileage this summer, I've also been doing a lot of strength training.
-What are your goals for the upcoming season?
My team has been 5th, 4th, 3rd, respectively and this year we'd really like to bring home a state title. We'll do whatever it takes to make that happen.
-How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started running some when I was 6 years old, but it was just for fun. I didn't really start to get competitive until middle school. Running is in my family. My Uncle Butch was on 2 of the state championship teams in the 70s and my mom has been coaching for 20 years. I went to my first meet when I was 4 years old and I've been in love ever since.
-Will you be competing anywhere out of state this season?
It's a possibility.
-What is your favorite course to run in Ohio?
My home course, the Ohio Caverns because it has a ton of hills and I love running hills. It's also really scenic compared to a lot of other courses.
-What is the toughest course to run in Ohio?
The Ohio Caverns because of the hills and the rough footing in the pasture.
-What meet during the regular season do you put extra emphasize on to compete well at?
I really focus on Tiffin during the regular season because the best teams in the state are always there and if you can run well there, it can boost your confidence for the rest of the season.
-What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
My sophomore year when we won the regional meet and beat Minster for the first time in school history. It was a total team effort and no one expected us to win.
-Favorite cross country memory?
The first time I ran a 10 miler with 3 of the girls on our team. It was probably the most fun I'd ever had on a run.
-When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
Hanging out with my family and watching old movies.
-Favorite quote?
"Be so good they can't ignore you."
-What's on your Ipod when you go out for runs?
The Black Keys, Tom Petty, Beastie Boys, Florence & The Machine, The Killers, Lupe Fiasco, Bruce Springsteen, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It's basically a little bit of everything.
-What professional athlete would you most like to meet?
I would love to meet Bernard Lagat. He's just really inspiring and I admire his positive attitude.
