WATSON COLUMN: Running down a familiar path

By Pete Watson/News Republic

 

This past summer Denise Leaver ran between 35 and 40 miles per week.

Put another way, the Baraboo Thunderbirds junior made four self-propelled trips to Madison and back over her summer break.

Dedication to the sport of cross country running is not in short supply for the third-year harrier.

"It’s kind of indescribable, I just love running," said Leaver, who has been training this week in preparation for her third consecutive trip to the WIAA Division I State Cross Country Championship at Ridges Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids. "Running can be stressful at times, but it helps clear my mind."

After posting a third-place finish at last week’s DeForest Sectional, the main thing on Leaver’s mind has been the state meet.

All the summer miles and competitive runs during the season boil down to today’s 4,000 meters at Ridges Golf Course.

"I just want to get out fast and hang on," she said. "I definitely want to try and get in the top-25 or 30 and do better than last year."

As a freshman, Leaver finished 113th in 16 minutes, 17 seconds. A year ago, Leaver placed 47th with a time of 15 minutes, 40 seconds.

"She’s got the experience," said her mother and BHS coach Dawn Leaver. "We talked briefly about last year and we hope she can get her time in the low 15s and improve on her place."

Denise’s best time this season is 15:15.

"Everybody tries their hardest on that day and you just hope you have your best race on that day," Dawn Leaver said.

Denise Leaver’s cross country success over the past three years has come via her passion and love for it.

Denise is the youngest of three sisters who all ran for mom at BHS. Though Dawn Leaver admitted that she and husband Tom (Baraboo boys track coach) encouraged Denise to follow in her sisters’ proverbial footsteps, they didn’t push her into it.

The three-time state qualifier did that on her own.

Watching her now 23-year-old sister Kelly and 20-year-old sister Val during their high school running careers cemented Denise’s interest.

The Leaver family trait made its way further down the tree.

"Just seeing them so happy all the time in track and cross country made me want the same things, too," she said. "It’s just our family. That’s what we do."

This season has been a bit of an adjustment for Denise.

No longer second fiddle after three-time state qualifier Ashley Schoenoff graduated last year, the junior runner is essentially the new face of the girl’s team.

But being a leader isn’t just about being near the front on race day.

"She’s been great, especially with a lot of the little things like encouragement and being positive around the other girls," coach Leaver said.

"It’s been difficult sometimes this year knowing that I have a target on my back," Denise said. "There’s always been somebody in front of me. It’s been kind of difficult adjusting to that."

Becoming a team leader and enduring some of the expectations that come with making three straight appearances hasn’t hindered the T-Birds distance specialist.

The lone Baraboo representative at the state meet this season, Denise Leaver is more dedicated than ever.

"I just to want to keep working hard to help the other girls on the team get up closer to me next year," she said. "That’s what keeps me motivated."