Name: Erin Milligan
Year: senior
Hometown: Hinsdale
What drew you to track?
I've liked to run since I was little. It was just a sport that I thought was really fun, and I actually started track in middle school.
How have you evolved since freshman year?
I think I've gotten a lot more confident racing. I've always been competitive, but I believe in my training more now and can put myself in better position now than when I was a freshman.
You've transitioned from sprints to middle distance this year. How is that?
I ran cross country in the fall and found out that I like running longer distances. With middle distance, you have more time during your race to think about what you're doing.
How would your teammates describe you?
Maybe as a good leader and friendly. For younger teammates that hadn't had an indoor season before, I'm able to show them around and how it works.
Any nicknames?
Millie. When we run at Graue Mill, my teammates sometimes call me 'Graue Millie."
Do you have any pre-race rituals?
I've worn the same hair tie for every race all four years, and I always have a certain smoothie the day of a race.
What's your goal for the season?
I just am looking to see a lot of improvement with my times throughout the season and to make it to the state meet. I want to leave it all out on the track every race.
Any favorite classes at Central?
AP Psychology is my favorite. It makes you think about your own life, and them you start recognizing things in everyday life that relate back to what you've talked about in class.
What's the coolest place you've visited
Our family went to Italy with my grandma and saw her childhood home and everything. It was cool!
Why does coach Pat Richards like having Milligan on the team?
Erin is willing to do whatever we ask her to do to help the team be successful. Erin has been with me since she was our camps in sixth grade - I can't believe she's a senior! She is committed to being the best she can be. She is a great person and a team leader. She's the type of kid you want to have as a daughter.
- profile by Ken Knutson, photo by Steve Johnston for The Hinsdalean
