Sam Cernetich runs for the Minooka varsity cross country team. He has been running cross country since he was 11. On Sept. 5, he placed first in the Minooka Conditioner along with his relay partner Caleb Kies. This interview with Nook News has been edited for clarity and length.
Q: How long have you run cross country?
A: I started running in fifth grade right when I got to junior high school and ever since then I’ve run for many years now.
Q: How did you get into cross country?
A: My brother did it for a year, and I decided, like, why not try and see if I like it and I got really good at it? So I stuck at it.
Q: What’s your PR (personal record) and when and where did it happen?
A: Two weeks ago at Yorkville I ran a 16.11 for 3 miles, and that’s my new PR for my career.
Q: What do you think the ceiling is for the team this year?
A: I’m hoping that we can qualify for state. I think we can do it if everyone runs what they need to run and we are at where we need to be. I think we can do it.
Q: Who is your biggest inspiration when it comes to running?
A: My biggest inspiration would be my team. They inspire me to keep going and if I’m ever feeling down about a workout they help me out and get me through it.
Q: How do you recover each day after practice?
A: I make sure I eat a good meal after a run, I stretch a lot, drink a lot of water and make sure to get lots of sleep.
Q: How do you plan on contributing to the team’s success this year?
I plan on running in the sectional meet to hopefully get a qualifying spot for state.
Q: What’s your favorite course to run?
A: My favorite course is probably the Twilight course in Naperville. We run it at night and it’s also pretty flat so it’s pretty cool.
Q: How do you spend your free time?
A: I work sometimes. I run a lot obviously, over my weekends I’m running also but yeah I don’t do much.
Q: Is there anyone on the team to keep an eye on for a potentially good season?
A: I’d say Nico Cimino. He’s a sophomore. He’s definitely gonna have a great sophomore season.
