BEYOND THE RACE WITH JACK KLECKER

By Eric Savage, Ardrey Kell High School

Jack Klecker, a captain of the men’s varsity cross country and track teams at Ardrey Kell High School, knows what it’s like to be the underdog. Attending the first day of cross country practice his freshman year in 2006, the opening year of the school, Jack realized achieving success wasn’t going to be easy because only six boys showed up for the first day of practice. This would be a problem because a team needs ten solid boys to compete in a varsity 5K race.

Under the guidance of Coach Brian Zelk, Jack set an example of the mindset and mental toughness it takes to run.   With hard work, he received the men’s cross country team MVP award.

In 2007, Jack led the team to Ardrey Kell’s first ever Conference title in school history for any sport, but this wasn’t enough for the young captain. The following year, the team went on to win the Regional title, and put forth a competitive effort in the state meet. That year, Jack earned the team MVP award and the All-Mecklenburg Boys Cross Country First Team.

Jack also leads the pack in the winter and spring seasons of track, posting a personal best time of 4:24 in the mile. Jack is the epitome of a great captain and has the mental and psychological toughness it takes to push your body beyond its limits on the running course.

What led you to become a runner?
“I’ve always been into running ever since I was a young boy; however, I knew I was going to be a good runner because of my success in middle school, but my biggest influence came from my Dad and uncle because they were both really big distance runners.”

What does typical day of training look like for you?
“We have easy days, which are meant to be easy to recover from hard work out days, and then we have interval workout days that I have to come to practice focused and prepared for the hard work ahead. An example of an interval day would be twelve repetitions of 400 meter runs or six mile repeats; all other runs are just simply mileage runs.”

Describe the thoughts you have in your head while running
“Most of the time I run with other people, so we get a chance to talk about our school day or what went on in sports in the past week. However, if I am doing a hard workout, my personal thoughts are completely set aside to make sure I hit the split times I want.

What is your biggest achievement in running so far and why?
“Qualifying for the state meets every year in Cross Country and Track. I think it’s one of the main goals that all distance runners should try to reach because it is solidifying your placement in the runner’s respective state.”

Do you find it hard trying to balance academic achievement and athletic success?
“I put academics above athletics; running does take up a considerable amount of time, but I always make my schedule revolve around my education first, then running.”

What is the one thing you hate most about running?
“Having to training almost everyday knowing that my competitors are out training somewhere else, striving to beat me in the next race.”

Imagine yourself three years from now, where do you see yourself?
“Three years from now, I hope to be attending a college and running for that college, but as to what college, that is still up in the air. I have always wanted to go into the field of dentistry.”

What is your biggest aspiration for yourself in running?
“Always knowing that I am putting 110% into every workout and race that I run.”