Five Questions with Sara Kettelkamp

1. Did you get to do anything exciting this summer?
This summer has been a season of change, I moved into a new apartment, I turned 21, I began working at GNC again, I began coaching for Palmer High School, and I studied for and obtained a certification in personal training through ACE. After a busy summer I am looking forward to more growing opportunities throughout my senior year.

2. How did you get into running?
My dad started taking me to Centennial High School's cross country practices when I was very young and told the coach (Larry Pickering) that I would one day be running for him. I however did not agree with my father. My freshman year of high school my dad dragged me kicking and screaming to the first summer practice of the season and told me I was going to love it then left me there. So I figured I might as well give it a try, somehow I fell in love with the sport and the rest is history.

3. What has been your biggest moment in your running career?
My sophomore year of high school I had told myself that I would beat the top girl on our team. I didn't succeed in cross country but I was determined to win a race knowing I had beat the best. I told the assistant coach at the time and she helped me prepare. When the City meet arrived I saw that I was racing her in the 1,600-meter run and knew that it was my opportunity. Right from the get go I stayed on her as closely as possible knowing that if I could stay with her during the tough parts of the race I could beat her with my speed in the end. I forced myself to hang on and when the last 200 meters of the race arrived I took a deep breath and then took off to receive my City Championship title. This was and still is the only race that I ran having no critiques on myself knowing that I did everything right.

4. What will it mean for UCCS to host the RMAC Championships this year?
It will be a great opportunity to bring attention to our program from our city. It will also give us an opportunity to have the home field advantage; we know every bump and turn on the course.

5. What has been the biggest change that you've noticed from your freshman to senior years?
Between new coaching, an increase in recruitment, and improvements in gear I would say there have been quite a few changes. But the biggest change has been watching UCCS grow into quite the community and to an impressive school.