An Interview with Amelia Paladino (August 10th, 2013)

Submitted by Mike McMillion

 

Amelia Paladino, a senior distance standout at University High School, is the pre-season WV#1 ranked runner for AAA girls cross country. She had an outstanding junior year in cross country and track.

Cross Country: In October, Amelia ran a 17:47.32 in the 5,000 Meter Run at the West Virginia State XC Championships, placing first. In November, she ran a PR of 17:32.00 in the 5,000 Meter Run at the Foot Locker South Regional, placing 10th. In December, she ran an 18:25.20 in the 5,000 Meter Run at the Foot Locker Nationals, placing 30th. Maggie Drazba, a senior at St. Marys High School in St. Marys, WV and Amelia Paladino were West Virginia's first females to ever qualify for Foot Locker Nationals.

Indoor Track: In February, Amelia ran a PR of 4:57.92 in the 1,600 Meter Run at the SPIRE HS Showcase, placing third.

Outdoor Track: In April, Amelia ran a PR of 4:56.57 in the One Mile Run at The Penn Relays Carnival, placing 4th. In May, she ran a new season best time of 4:59.43 in the 1,600 Meter Run (placing first) and ran a PR of 10:40.27 in the 3,200 Meter Run (placing first) at the West Virginia State Track & Field Championships.

Outdoor Nationals: In June, Amelia ran a 5:01.78 in the One Mile Run at New Balance Outdoor Nationals, placing 16th.

I caught up with her to talk about her beginnings, training and future plans as a collegiate runner.

 

Coach McMillion – What sports did you participate in as a youngster?

 

Amelia Paladino – I started my athletic career participating in gymnastics, T-ball, horseback riding, soccer, and basketball.

 

CM - When did you first start running track or cross country?

 

AP - I started running cross country and track when I was in the sixth grade at St. Francis Central Middle School in Morgantown, WV.

 

CM – Why did you start running?

 

AP - I realized that I was just too small to play basketball, so I decided to give running a try because my mom and my older sister Julia ran.

 

CM – Are there any other runners in your family?

 

AP - Yes, I have a twin brother who also runs and is a top ranked runner in the AAA boys.

 

CM - Is there a sibling rivalry?

 

AP - There is a little bit, but it’s a little more him than me, boys are just so competitive. I must admit when he runs great, then I’m like Uh oh.

 

CM – Do you and your brother train together?

 

AP – No, my brother is much faster than me.

 

CM – When did you first start to have success at running?

 

AP - I was winning races in middle school and even placed fourth at States my freshman year, but it wasn’t until my sophomore year that I realized how much success I was having.

 

CM - What is your favorite training workout?

 

AP - Tempo runs of 4 to 5 miles. I used to hate them, but I realized they helped me most.

 

CM - What is the race that you’re most proud of?

 

AP - The one race that I’m most proud of is when I qualified for nationals as a junior at the 2012 Foot Locker South Regional at McAlpine Greenway Park in Charlotte, NC.

 

CM - Who would you credit your success to?

 

AP - I credit my success to my mom, high school Coach Ed Frohnapfel, and my off season Flyers Coach Jonathan Wright.

 

CM - Do you set any goals for yourself? If so, what?

 

AP - As far as setting goals, making it to the Foot Locker cross country nationals has made me more determined than ever to want to go back, but I want my University girls cross country team to do well at States too. I want us to win another championship. I am content with running in the low 17’s, because I realize that no two cross country course are alike and the weather can play a factor in how I perform. I would like to be nationally ranked and to be the only West Virginia female to ever qualify for Foot Locker Nationals at Balboa Park in San Diego, CA twice.

 

CM - I imagine that you are getting recruited pretty heavily with some of the times you have posted? Do you plan on running in college?

 

AP – I have been heavily recruited by some top notch colleges, but I’m still undecided.

 

CM - Thank you for your time Amelia. Good luck this 2013 cross country season, and I hope to see you running up in Cabell Midland in early November for the State CC Meet.

 

AP – Thanks!

 

Coach Mike McMillion

e-mail: mgmcmillion