State Champion spotlight: Mitch Morris Cape Elizabeth
Senior Mitch Morris won his first individual indoor track title as he captured the two mile Class B crown with a 9:46.10 effort. We caught up with Mitch to ask a few questions about his preparation before the meet, his mindset on meet day, what it meant to win 2 mile individual state title.
What were your preparations leading up to the state meet?
We've had so much snow the past few weeks, my training the week of the state meet ended up being a mix of running on the treadmill (which I hate) and doing workouts in the snow. I was able to get into USM to use the track for a last solid workout before the state meet, which I think went a long way in making me feel ready.
How did you deal with the pressure and emotions that come along with competing in a state meet?
I didn't handle it well. Something about track is so much more personal than cross country, and my desire to defend and justify my cross country title with a track one got me pretty worked up. This year I've learned that going in as the favorite isn't always the greatest place to be.
How did you feel after crossing the finish line?
Like I was going to pass out. I've never felt that way after a race before, but I was so preoccupied with the race that I forgot to eat anything substantial before I left for Bates. My vision was swimming and my legs went numb for the last 800, which really hurt my time.
Coming into the season what were your goals and did you achieve them?
My goal for this season was mainly to get quicker and run a faster mile time. I think I achieved that early in the season, and I'm glad I could walk away with that personal victory. My next goal was to run a faster two mile time than I've ever run before, and my pursuit of that goal started off promisingly, I was two seconds off my PR in my first two mile race this year, but after a DQ in the two mile at WMC's and my dizziness at states, I'm yet to achieve that goal. However, I'll be moving on to New England's this week, and if I can gain control of some nagging injuries I think I'm poised to achieve that goal in a big way.
How do you think winning an individual state title will effect you heading into outdoors?
With success there always comes a boost to confidence and resolve, two things that have been in short supply since my knee injury from cross country flared back up. I'm grateful for my second individual state title and look forward to returning for outdoor stronger and more motivated than ever.
Mitch's 2 Mile Progression
Two Mile Run
- 2015 Indoor9:34.17
- 2014 Indoor9:36.51
- 2013 Indoor11:00.44
2014-15 Results
