If you ask the average person what they like to do for fun, for the most part you won’t find running on many lists. But for UW-La Crosse track and field athlete Kelsey Katarow, running is alone at the top.
“The exhilaration I get from running I can’t get anywhere else. Races are somewhat short but the amount of effort and energy that’s given in that short period of time is intense,” said Katarow.
Entering her freshmen year, Katarow had high hopes of a fast and strong start to her collegiate track career, but a shoulder injury prevented that from happening. The injury to her labrum was reoccurring and required surgery, preventing her from participating in events that season.
Katarow commented, “It killed me to be around track all year long and not be able to run. Running is what I do, and not being able to do it was tough.”
Now in her third season, Katarow is one of the team captains and runs in the 4x4 relay, the open 200 and 400-meter dash, and the 4x2 relay. Last season Katarow made it to both the indoor and outdoor track nationals in the 4x4 relay. Her best showing was at the indoor national meet, where she and her team finished eighth and Katarow was named to the All-American Team.
“Making it to nationals has probably been my biggest accomplishment so far. To run on that type of stage, against the top competition, is unreal. Hopefully I can repeat what I accomplished last year and push it closer to the top.”
Majoring in community health education, Katarow hopes to get an internship over the summer and next fall in that field. Someday she would like a job with Work Site Wellness helping employees get in shape and lead healthy lives. If the choice were hers, she’d relocate to Arizona.
During what is potentially her last season, Katarow knows to take it all in and not take anything for granted. The meets, the big stage, and some of the relationships may be coming to an end soon, but the memories will always be there.
She stated, “Track has been one of the best experiences I’ve had. The competition and friendships I’ve been a part of are irreplaceable. It’s been an overall positive experience.”
Be the first to comment on this article!