We caught up with Assumption Junior, Joy Ripslinger. Ripslinger was the 3A State Champ in the 800m this past spring with silver medals in both the 1500m and 3000m to go along with her gold medal. She has an equally great record on the track as she was third place at the State XC Meet last fall. We caught up with Ripslinger to discuss her past track season as well as her goals for the upcoming seaosn.
How has summer training been going? Describe a typical week of summer training.
Running was not my main focus at the beginning of the summer. I was in the midst of preparing for the state soccer tournament immediately after competing at state track. When soccer was finished, I began training for the New Balance Nationals. Shortly after that, I began training with my team for cross country. In a typical week of summer training, I will run 6 days a week averaging about 40 miles per week. The training includes one or two medium to high intensity workouts and the rest of the days are important for getting mileage in.
Back to the track season: you ran at New Balance Nationals, how was it to run at such a competitive meet?
Competing at the New Balance Nationals in North Carolina was a very exciting experience! After peaking in all of my races at the state track meet, I was ready to continue the intensity and finish off the championship season strongly. The high levels of energy and competition were great to have; I hope to return there in the future.
You ran the 400m, 800m, 1500m, and 3000m at the state meet - do you have a favorite among the four events?
The 800 has always been my strongest and favorite race. 800 meters seems to be the perfect distance for me to combine my endurance and foot speed.
You've had two very successful years - first off what are your goals for the season and then beyond that in your remaining two years?
This coming season, I plan to become a stronger runner. Individually in cross country I hope to compete for first place in 3A and help my team win a state title. In my remaining two years of track and cross country, I hope to see more success. I will try to push my limits and improve myself as a result of working hard and dedicating myself to the sport I love. I then will plan to go on to run at the collegiate level.
Which meet(s) are you most looking forward to this fall?
My eyes are always set on the set on the state meet throughout the season of course. I also look forward to the conference meet, as it is full of good competition. My team is planning on competing at some new meets this season as well.
Your team returns your top four - what do you think the Assumption squad is capable of this season?
My team is entering the season with confidence in our capabilities. Bumping the course distance up to a 5K will be a slight challenge. The Assumption girls have placed third at the state meet three years in a row, two of which I have been on the team. We are ready to break that streak and shoot for being first place champions at state!
How did you get into running?
I’ve been very active in sports my whole life. As a child, my interest in running began with the co-ed Jr. Bix as I always tried to be the first girl to cross the finish line. However, I did not begin running competitively until high school. I now plan on excelling in my running career for many years to come!
What has your favorite running moment been thus far?
Winning the 800 meter run at state this past spring was one of my favorite and proudest moments. Becoming an individual state champion for the first time is a big deal and I will remember that moment for the rest of my life! Experiencing success as a team in track and cross country is extremely memorable just as well.
