It’s more than just running

Many high schoolers join a sport when the time rolls around. Most of them had already been enrolled in sports like soccer, football, or basketball. Out of these high schoolers, only some of them take their sport to the next level. Brooke Zeibert is one of these phenomenal high school athletes who takes her athleticism to the next level. 

 

Zeibert is a senior at Rochester High School and runs both track and cross country. She’s always been running from a young age because of her parents. They both ran in college and continued the habit throughout their lives, it was only a matter of time before they passed it on to Zeibert and her sisters. “When I was little I did a mud run once,” Zeibert reminisced, “It’s what kind of started it all.” Her first year running competitively was in 6th grade when she joined the track team. 

 

Running may seem easy to many, but there’s so much more to it. Runners push themselves to the limits and are constantly trying to better themselves; Zeibert is a prime example of this. She has done many things including going to state multiple times in her running career, setting school records, and becoming one of the best runners in the Springfield area. It’s amazing to see how much she has been able to do. “I’ve been able to accomplish everything I’ve done due to my commitment,” Zeibert explains. She runs nearly every day and always puts her full effort into it. She also properly prepares her body for the upcoming races by practicing her runs and eating healthily. With all of this hard work, time, and commitment, she is now able to pursue her dreams. Zeibert is committed to Illinois State University, a Division One athletic school for running. She is the only student from RHS to commit to a Division One school.  “I’m hoping to improve my times by a lot,” Zeibert mentioned. While this goal may seem further off, she has an upcoming track season ahead. She’s hoping to create new personal records, break Rochester High School records, and to place first in the 800-meter dash at the Illinois State Tournament. These are definitely big goals, but all achievable. It is clear to see that she has amazing dedication but even I’m left to wonder what it is like to do all of this. “It is very time-consuming and physically and mentally taxing,” Zeibert confesses. Although she is proud of what she has been able to accomplish and wouldn’t change anything. Even with these hardships runners face, she emphasizes that she still finds joy and has so much fun running. She has been able to experience new things because of running. She’s traveled to different places and has been able to thoroughly explore Rochester while running around the town.  “You get to be around a fun running community,” she commented.

 

Girls’ Track Coach Alexandra Trexler is immensely proud of Zeibert and all that she has been able to accomplish. “She pushes herself hard to attain the successes she has achieved,” Trexler emphasized, “and is hoping to achieve later this season.” Trexler believes that Zeibert deserves every bit of success that has come her way. This is not only because of her amazing talent and commitment but because of who she is. Zeibert is a role model for others on the teams. She helps her teammates set goals, celebrate accomplishments, and encourages younger runners to give it their all. “Brooke is not one to give big speeches,“ Trexler mentioned, “but she is always leading by example and encouraging her teammates.” This is inspirational enough itself to commend Zeibert on her performance.  Like every good role model, she also exhibits wonderful character traits she possesses. She is determined, self-motivated, organized, consistent, and a straight-A student in her academics. Coach Trexler is also able to easily recognize these qualities too, “She is a fierce competitor. She works hard to achieve her successes.” Zeibert is an inspiration to other student-athletes with just some of these traits. 

 

Another main person in her running career is cross country coach Bill Owens. He has watched Brooke over the years and is incredibly proud of her work. “Brooke has been amazing,” he exclaims, “she’s a good kid and works so hard.” Owens has been along for the ride since around 6th grade now, so it’s especially wonderful for him to see how she’s grown as a runner and person. “She will succeed not only in running but in her life,” Owens claims, “I see nothing but a bright future ahead of her at Illinois State.” 

 

As mentioned earlier, Zeibert’s career at Rochester isn’t over yet. She will be competing in the Girls’ track and field season in the spring. Zeibert is hoping to place high in the state tournament. She knows she will make it to the state due to her talent, commitment, and effort. As in past years, Brooke has placed on the podium in the 4×8 relay race and has competed at state in other events. 

 

Brooke Zeibert will be going down in the history books for Rochester as one of the best and most successful athletes the school has seen. This is only a true justice for all of her achievements. For this last leg in her journey, many are rooting for her. Her parents, coaches, friends, teammates, and high school are all rooting for her, and cannot wait to see how amazing and bright of a future she has ahead of her.