Chatting with Sean Easton, a sophomore at Upper Sandusky High School

PR’s:
1600m – 5:00
3200m – 11:30
5k XC – 17:54 

CRC: When did you begin running, and what drew you into the sport?
Sean Easton: I began running in 7th grade. My art teacher, who is the CC coach, drew me to the sport when one day he asked me what I thought about running cross country.  I took some time to think about it, and I decided to do it to stay in shape.  Well, I didn’t make it through the first month of training before I started getting injured.  I tried everything from ankle braces, new shoes, cream, and icing my ankles.  I started to get to the point were I almost quit.  One day, I decided to just take my ankles braces off and see what would happen.  That practice, I was beating everyone on the team.  Ever since then I have ran cross country.  

CRC: That’s a crazy story, but it just goes to show that the body can adapt to almost anything.  Since deciding to stick it out and push through the injuries, what has been your greatest running memory?
SE: My great running memory would have to be in 8th grade at the Van Wert Invational.  It was perfect running weather for me (very cold, raining, and a little bit breezy).  The reason this meet has stuck in my mind is because I ran my best time of 11:30 there, which happened to break the middle school record of 11:31.  I will always remember that day and the feeling of breaking that record.  

CRC: That’s a great way to cap off your middle school career.  Now that you’re starting your sophomore year of high school, what are your current goals?
SE: My goals for this season would be to get back down in the low 18's, and hopefully into the 17’s.  I hope to one day go to college and run in either cross country or track. 

CRC: So, what’s your favorite course out there? 
SE: My favorite course would have to be Van Wert because it’s a pretty easy course.  It's pretty straight and flat.  My favorite meet as of competition would have to be the Tiffin Cross Country Carnival because there’s so many runners to push you through the entire race, plus it's great to say that you competed in a race of that size. 

CRC: Huge meets like the Tiffin Carnival are always exciting.  Plus, competing in major events only adds to your racing experience, which is a big bonus when you’re thinking of running in college.  It’s still a ways off for you, but what would be your dream school to run for?
SE: Malone College is my dream college to run at.  But I haven’t gave it much thought yet about any other colleges to run at.   

CRC: You have plenty of time to think about those college racing days.  For now, let’s talk about the Upper Sandusky team.  What’s the team like?
SE: My team is such a hard working team.  We are always there for each other if someone struggles.  We can always have fun, even if we have a hard practice.    

CRC: Cross teams always felt like a second family to us.  Running has a way of bonding you like that.  When you’re working out with the team, what’s your favorite workout?
SE: My favorite workout is just going out for a long distance run because it gives me time to think about things and see how far I can push myself.   

CRC: Those miles will make you strong.  Just keep putting them in.  Before we go, is there any piece of advice that you could share with the other runners out there?
SE: If I could share advice with any runner it would be to work hard and think that you can be successful as long you believe in yourself.  If you’re going through a hard time, just keeping working hard because it will pay off sooner or later. 

Coaches/Parents - Do you have any standout athletes that go the extra mile?  Spotlight them at the Columbus Running Company!  During the season, we will periodically showcase athletes in our high school section within the store and on this webpage.  Nominations can be taken through our Contact Us page, through info@columbusrunning.com, or by simply giving us a call.  We will then briefly interview you and the selected athlete. 

Nominations do not have to be the fastest athletes - nominate those who demonstrate qualities such as a strong work ethic or leadership skills or have something unique that sets them apart.  

The sport of running is a great one.  We'd like to help glamorize it in the eyes of the youth who are the future of running.  These athletes deserve recognition!

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