Athlete of the Week: Kara Troxel
Photo by Kristine Stoll Bonduel High School freshman Kara Troxel finished fifth overall at the WIAA Division 3 state meet on Oct. 28 with a time of 19 minutes, 40.59 seconds.
Athlete: Kara Troxel
Sport: Cross-country
School: Bonduel High School
Year: Freshman
Kara Troxel led the Bears’ girls cross-country team at the WIAA Division 3 state meet with a fifth-place overall finish in 19 minutes, 40.59 seconds, and helped her team place seventh. She also finished second overall at the sectional meet. Just a freshman, Troxel was ranked 12th out of over 400 runners in the division this year.
Q Where did your interest in running begin?
A My interest in running began in elementary school around fourth grade when we had running club, and my gym teacher, Mrs. Naparella, told me that I would be go0d at it and I should sign up for cross-country when I’m older.
Q What’s your favorite part about cross-country?
A My favorite part is trying to beat people in a sprint-out in the final stretch of the race and getting the medals.
Q What has been the biggest challenge in moving from middle school to high school varsity cross-country?
A Running farther in practices, especially on the really hot days, that’s when we usually run six or seven miles. Also, running farther at a faster pace during races.
Q How did it feel going to state your freshman year?
A I felt very happy and excited inside and couldn’t wait to prove to upperclassmen what a freshman could do at state.
Q What is your favorite memory of Bonduel cross-country?
A My favorite memory is when the guys woud pick on me at practices and push me the final stretch.
Q What athlete do you look up to and why?
A Aaron Rodgers, because he always pushes through to do his best even when it’s difficult and he’s in pain.
Q Do you have any pre-run rituals?
A Every cross-country meet, I wear a bright headband so people can see me when I run and to push my teammates to keep that pink blur in sight. Before races, when we do our run-out, the seniors give everyone a pep talk, and we do a cheer. I also eat a lot of chocolate before races, even though I probably shouldn’t be doing that.
Q What’s your favorite part about growing up in Bonduel?
A Being able to go to school and see my friends every day. I live close to a lot of my friends so I can always go to their houses if I need help with something or I just want to hang out with them.
Q Favorite TV show, movie, musical artist?
A TV show: “The Good Doctor”; Movie: “Need For Speed”; Musical artist: Old Dominion.
Q Do you have a favorite quote or verse?
A “The ones who say ‘you can’t’ and ‘you won’t’ are probably the ones scared that ‘you will’.”
