Sarah Fischer
Senior
Hinsdale
When did you first start running?
Sixth grade. My parents both ran in college - that was how they met - and my older sister was also a runner on the high school team.
What do you enjoy most about the sport?
I enjoy the team aspect of it and how cross country, even though it is very individualized, you are still working with your teammates and uplifting them and using them to make you better. I like that we're all really close on our team and get along really well.
What keeps you motivated?
Knowing that all the work that goes in, by the end of the season you see results that you would never expect at the start.
What is the best advice you've gotten from a coach?
One of my (swimming) coaches told me that it's OK to be nervous, it's never OK to be scared. To be scared was too much, it wasn't worth it.
What is your goal for the season?
My goal is specifically just to get better. I don't think I did that in the last cross country season, so just to see my times drop, especially at courses we race a lot, like KLM and Dettweiler (in Peoria).
Will you run track in the spring?
Yes, the 3,200- and 600-meter runs.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I'm really involved in sewing and I love doing it.
What are your plans for next year?
I would like to run in college. I'm not sure what division yet. I'm still visiting a few places to find out what works for me. I'd like to study engineering.
Why does coach Mark McCabe like having Fischer on the team?
Sarah is an athlete who has embraced our philosophy that consistency and moderation over time is what leads to success in cross country and track. Sarah has been a varsity runner since her freshman year and last spring progressed to competing with the state's top runners. We fully expect she will contend for All-State honors this fall. Sarah has also developed into one of our senior leaders in every way, both on and off the field of play. An excellent role model and a young woman of good character, Sarah is truly a pleasure to have as a part of girls HCXC.
- profile by Pamela Lannom, photo by Jim Slonoff
