AOTW: Bethel runner Kade Schweikhardt wanting PRs and a solid junior season

Ed. Note: This week’ the Bethel Feature Spotlight Athlete is runner Kade Schweikhardt, a junior who comes off an all-conference cross country season.

Last week, we looked at one of the top female runners in the Three Rivers Conference in Bethel sophomore Natalie Sonnanstine, so now we move over to the guys this week, Bethel junior Kade Schweikhardt. He also had quite an exceptional year running for the Bees cross country team, and he hopes to build off of his all-conference success this year.

“Last year was a great season for me and the main reason was just being prepared for what I had to do,” he said. “It was my second year running 5k's and I had a better understanding of how to race and the workouts I should do.”

“I started putting in more miles over the summer and was working harder during the season than I did freshman year.  I'm proud of my accomplishments and was excited to make it to the regional meet with my teammate Austin.”

Schweikhardt credits his brother for becoming a runner and now he continues to work on his times to aim for his siblings' records.

“I started running because my oldest brother, Trent, had gotten me into running,” he said. “He was the one that introduced me to the sport and I was aiming to beat his records. The sibling competition is what got me started running but I've decided to stick around because of the community.  My teammates, competitors, and coaches have helped me grow as a runner and they are the reasons I train and strive to improve.”

As he gets ready to start his junior season with the Bees, he has become more focused on what it takes to be a better runner.

“Heading into junior year I feel like I can improve most on my mentality towards running,” he said. “Running is an extremely hard sport mentally and I want to be more focused and competitive during my races.”

“I also just want to have a more positive outlook about running because this is a sport I enjoy and I get the privilege to compete when not everyone is given those opportunities.”

He continues to use the summer to prepare for the start of cross country season with the Bees and has put up more miles to help him succeed.

“This summer I have increased my mileage and have worked on more speedwork compared to last year,” he said. “Along with an increase in mileage I have been training with a new group of runners. We have been pushing each other and working with runners who also have a drive to get better has helped me get more out of every workout. I think the increase in mileage will have a major effect on my times this year and I expect to see a large PR.”

“My main goal for myself is to improve my 5k time from 17:21 to mid-16's.  I don't know how hard this will be but with my training this summer I believe I will accomplish this.”

“I also want to place higher at regionals than I did last year and depending on how the season goes maybe look towards running at the state meet. My goals for the team are to build an environment that is uplifting and positive. I want to create more team spirit and I want to help my teammates enjoy the sport in the same way I do.”