Prospect's Wolfe hungry for success
It was only fitting that Prospect's Brooke Wolfe was walking the halls midweek with ice packs taped to both knees because the Knights sophomore has been blazing hot this cross country season.
Wolfe swept the invite season winning at Fenton, Lake Park, Palatine and Peoria. The sophomore had no letdown at the Mid-Suburban League conference meet.
Wolfe surged to the lead in the final mile and never looked back in becoming only the second Prospect girl to win an MSL title.
“She mentions self-doubt, but she never shows it in a practice, race or pre-race,” said Prospect coach Dave Wurster of his sophomore star. “I guess that is kind of the mark of a champion. She's not afraid to challenge herself; she is willing to take the risk.”
Without a doubt, Wolfe has elevated herself into the one of the state's elite runners and will challenge for the Class 3A state title.
Last year Wolfe ended the season on a downer as she dealt with a virus during the state series and finished 67th in 3A.
Wolfe came back in track to take sixth in 3A in the 3,200 meters. She has continued her success this fall.
The biggest change is the confidence Wolfe demonstrates in making her winning moves. During the MSL race, Wolfe was being shadowed by Rolling Meadows' Christina Gastfield for the first two miles. But the sophomore used an authoritative surge early in the second mile to take control of the race.
“In my mind it's less of a risk to take,” said Wolfe of her winning surge, “because I know if I don't take it at the end of the race I might regret it.”
Wolfe has quickly made a name for herself at Prospect. She holds the school record for the 3,200 (10:47), she has the second-fastest time in 1,600 (5:07) and has the fastest cross country time (16:53).
“If you just look at times she's by far our best runner in school history, but if you look at accomplishments she's still working on them,” said Wurster of Wolfe, who is hoping to add to her one state medal. “But she's off to a pretty good start.”
Wolfe is eyeing a return to Peoria's Detweiller Park, home of the state cross country meet, on Nov. 6. The sophomore is hoping to leave a better impression this year after a so-so race last season.
“It's definitely motivation,” said Wolfe of her finish last season. “The whole weekend will be a completely different experience. I'm hoping to be healthy and run with no regrets”
There have been no regrets this season, only victories.