Top runner credits her I.V. coaches
From our weekly issue dated November 5, 2008
Casey Robertson, 2008 Skyline Conference Runner of the Year (Photo by Zina Booth)
When breathing becomes labored, muscles begin to hurt and the end to a 3-mile run on a hot day seems remote, Casey Robertson sometimes wonders, “Why am I doing this?”
But at the conclusion of a successful 5K outing, as she finishes well, striding past the time-keeper, the champion cross country runner from Illinois Valley High School knows why.
Because it feels good.
“I get a sense of accomplishment and helping the team,” said the 15-year-old sophomore. “And it’s great to know that what you’ve done, with the help of coaches Bill Yeoman and Janie Pope, is showing them that their support is appreciated.”
The daughter of Cave Junction residents Eugene & Julie Robertson, Casey is not only 2008 Skyline Conference Runner of the Year (for overall achievement), but she took 2nd place at the district meet Oct. 25, and placed 9th at the state meet Saturday, Nov. 1. Her times were 20:47 and 20:12 respectively.
Not bad for a runner who began by running track at Lorna Byrne Middle School.
“We were running at the same time as the high school kids,” she recalled. “And they saw me running; told me I should run cross country. So I did. With that encouragement and continued leadership from Yeoman and Pope, she ran cross country last year, and plans to continue until graduation.
She cites the positive approach taken by Yeoman as a big part of her success. “He never lets us say that we don’t like a particular race,” she said. “He always says, ‘No, you love it’.
“He is an inspiration.”
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Besides her medal from the state meet, given to only 10th place-and-up winners, Robertson received a space blanket, which she says will help keep her warm.
Her parents are pleased with her achievements.
Like many thin-clads, she is slender, weighing some 103 pounds and standing 5-2.
Robertson finds running “a lot of fun.” She also is quick to note that, “It takes endurance, and you have to be dedicated.”
While on a course she works to focus on where she is, who’s behind and ahead of her, and pays attention to coaching as she passes specific marks.
“A lot of thoughts go through my mind while I’m running,” she said. “It’s not always about cross country, but it all helps me. It can be a lonely sport, but knowing that your team is on the same course helps a lot.”
Robertson is a vegetarian, and finds protein in nuts, seeds and similar nonmeat items. She notes that fellow runner McKenzie Yeoman is a vegan, and so they have much in common. Being part of a team, with each member encouraging one another, is a big part of what Robertson likes about cross country.
She is sad that the team will be losing two seniors, Yeoman and Sierra Chiverton, but looks forward to new members who will devote themselves.
“The seniors have been a big help to the rest of us,” said Robertson.
Besides cross country and track, she participates in Brain Bowl and the Teen Film Festival.
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