GOOD HOPE, Ala. — Last year’s track and cross country season was another good one for Good Hope and eighth grader Caitlin Nisley talked about what all she learned during that season and what it was like being a part of a great team.
“Last season taught me a lot about myself and other runners. I learned that you aren’t always going to win every race and that you always have off days. Last season went really well, our girls were county champions. Overall as a team, I think we gave it our all. I am really grateful for the team I have and the opportunity. None of it could’ve been possible without my wonderful team and the Lord,” Nisley said. “It feels really good. There’s so much support and love that everyone shares for the sport. I truly enjoy running. I learned to push through every race and that running is a mental game. Rudi Derrick told me, ‘A race takes up only a couple minutes of your day, so give it your all.'”
Caitlin learned a lot from her cross-country coach, Deanna Ciranda, her track coach, Matthew McCulloch, and her distance coach, Allen Scott.
“My coaches were really supportive. I learned great leadership skills from them and many lessons,” Nisley said. “I learned from coach McCulloch that I need to push no matter what and always finish out strong. I learned from coach Ciranda that no matter how a race goes, be proud of the work you put in.”
Caitlin took away so much from this year’s seniors and upperclassmen, plus she talked about what she will work on to get ready for next season, and her goals as well.
“They were really amazing role models. They taught me to keep running and continue to do what I love,” she said. “I will definitely work on improving my times and running longer distances. Team goals will definitely be county champs again for both girls and boys this year. As far as my personal goals go, I would love to run under a six-minute mile and qualify for state.”
Caitlin talked about what will make this team special to watch next season, plus some of her biggest role models growing up, and some of the best advice that she was ever given.
“What will make us special to watch is definitely the amazing talent and drive all of our athletes have,” she said. “My Nana was definitely one of the people that had the biggest impact on my life. Cross country/track-wide, BB Philips and Rudi Derrick were the best. I admired their hard work and dedication to the sport and not only that, they were really supportive as well. Some of the best advice I was ever given by my Nana was to always treat people with kindness and respect and follow in the Lord’s path.”
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