Samuel Hurley '23 Recruiting Profile

The best way to spark growth is pushing one's mental and physical state to their limits. It was midday on a Saturday in September 2021 and our cross-county team lined up for a race on the toughest course in Kansas.  It was an unseasonably humid, sunny fall day, not ideal for running. I had trained for this race for months and overcame several obstacles. But all that mattered was I was there, in the moment, and about to give all my best effort towards the next 5 kilometers. As all the teams were lining up at the starting line, one could see the anxiety and focus of each runner. I was aware of the course’s challenges and therefore proper mental preparation was absolutely necessary. My teammates looked at each other with a sense of confidence, knowing that we were ready. The man with the starting gun said, “racers to your marks” and the gun went off. 

At the beginning of the race, everyone scrambled to get into the lead; arms were thrown, legs were clipped. It was a chaotic and ugly race start. About a mile in, my teammate and I were racing side by side, and found ourselves in the front of the pack. At that point, the heat beat down rather harshly. I could feel each individual sweat droplet roll off my face and my body started to ache from the fast pace and less oxygen. The heat, sweat, fans cheering for other runners were all distractions that I tried to block out, so I could get through the race. The second and third miles were even more difficult as the pain continued to build. The steep hills made it more agonizing, making every single muscle in my body hurt more by the second. To make matters worse, another runner had caught up to us and the race became a lot more interesting. The three of us were now vying for the lead. 

In the final 400 meters of the race, I knew I had to make a move. I pushed everything towards the finish line. I could hear the race announcer in the distance say that I was pulling away from my teammate and the other runner. I finished the race and my teammate finished right behind me on the hardest course in Kansas. My teammate and I overcame several obstacles to achieve first and second. Likewise, our coaches, families, and friends were there motivating and helping us along our journey to success.

This race went well for me, my teammate, and several others, but the sport can be frustrating and unforgiving. I have had two injuries in the 3 years of my high school running career. The worst one of the two forced me to sit out for almost two months and miss most of my junior year track season. I underwent physical therapy, had my running form assessed for irregularities, redesigned my mental focus, worked with coaches and friends, and educated myself more about running. COVID also impacted my running.  I could not train with my teammates, and my freshman year track season was canceled. During the recovery periods, while I was not training, I supported my teammates, volunteered and worked more intently on playing the cello. 

While that was just a race, I realized that anything worth doing requires significant education, preparation, time, energy, focus, support and dedication to be successful. During the last 400 meters of the race, I finally understood what it meant to sacrifice and commit to my goals. But personal growth comes through the journey and not in accomplishing the goal. Likewise, accomplishing the goal always involves the support of others.  I will always work to support my team, school, family and community. These experiences have prepared me to finish my high running career this school year faster and stronger and enter college with the right foundation for success.