Name: Keenan Welzel
School: Brunswick High School
What was your most memorable race?
My most memorable race would have to be the 800m this past February at Indoor States. I had only ran the race once that season to qualify, and was seeded 5th going into the meet. When I started my kick with 100m to and took over the lead with 50m to go it was the most thrilling final few meters I've ever experienced. It was also my first State Championship, and to win with the odds seemingly against me is something I will never forget.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
Russell Allen was a competitor that I would always fear when faced against him. Every race I ran against him always came down to the wire, and he brought his very best week in and week out. A fearsome runner and even kinder person, he's somebody I am relieved to no longer have to compete against but somebody I am going to miss on and off the track.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
Finishing 5th at New Englands in outdoor this year and finally breaking the sub-50 barrier in the 400m. I set that goal for myself at the beginning of the season and to finally achieve it in my last high school meet was something truly special.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I would have competed all four years in both indoor and outdoor track. I only joined track my junior and senior years in high school and if I could change one thing I would've loved to see the progression I could've accomplished over four years rather than just two.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Trying to balance both soccer and track was something that was not an easy task. My club team ran in sync with the track seasons and thus I had to find a balance between the two sports. It was something I got better at balancing over time and it soon was no longer an issue.
What will you miss the most?
I am going to miss always trying to have the other teams in the meet join forces and boycott the 4x400 so we wouldn't have to run it. It never worked, but believe me, we came very close some meets!
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Always keep a positive mind whether it is in practice or during a race. You will surprise yourself with what you can accomplish when you are positive and truly believe you can achieve all that you wish to. Going into Indoor States this year I thought I had no chance of winning, but when I got up to the line I had nothing but positive thoughts in my head. It just goes to show that having a positive mindset can triumph over all other odds.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coaches always had faith in my ability and had confidence in me at every meet. Although they might've wished I had gone to more practices than I attended, they always believed in me and believed I could tackle any goal I had. Having that support was something I am grateful for having throughout my track career.
What are your college plans?
I will be attending Saint Joseph's College this fall where I will be playing soccer as well as majoring in Business and Sports Management. Track and field has not been ruled out of my collegiate plans, but only time will tell!
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to thank my family, for always believing in me. They were my biggest supporters and always have been, it is something I can not thank them enough for. Everything I do is for them, and I always try to embody someone that they can be proud of on and off the track. I also want to thank my girlfriend, Savannah Smith. She's been by my side through all the ups and downs I've faced over these hectic two years of high school track and has been nothing but a positive impact for me. When I won the 800 at Indoor States she was crying tears of joy for me, and it's something that has always stuck with me as to why that race is so memorable. I really can't thank them all enough, they've believed in me more than anybody else, even more than myself sometimes.
More Coverage
Do you know a class of 2016 track and field or cross country athlete? We'd like to salute them! Have them answer the following questions plus send 2-3 photos (can not be from another website or publication) to dveilleux@milesplit.us
Name: Keenan Welzel
School: Brunswick High School