Victoria Starcher Interview

Sophomore Victoria Starcher of Ripley High had an amazing freshman season running 4:53.91 (US #75/ US#10 freshmen) on the track and also taking 6th in the Mile at New Balance Outdoor Nationals. Last spring, at the West Virginia State Meet, Starcher won the 800m (2:12), 1600m (4:53), 3200m (10:39) and ran anchor leg on the Vikings state champion 4x400-meter relay team (4:01.82 – state meet record). She was second in high point honors with 32½ points, while leading her team to a runner-up team finish against Morgantown HS, 82 to 80.

Starcher missed all of last cross country season due to injury, but was able to return this season as one of the top distance runners in the nation. After five races she is undefeated, while running a season best time of 17:34.90 at the Chick-Fil-A Invitational (US#19/US#4 freshmen).

Following her most recent victory at the Adidas XC Challenge in Cary (NC), Starcher was in contention for the MileSplit National Performer of the week.

I caught up with Victoria and asked her a few questions about her recent success and history with running.

Starchers Personal Records: 400m - 59.34; 800m (in) - 2:18.08; 800m - 2:12.77; 1600m - 4:53.91; 1 Mile (in) - 5:05.28; 3200m (xc) - 13:26.60; 3200m - 10:39.04; 5K (XC) - 17:34.90.

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

Tori Starcher – I started running track at the age of 6 with Capital City Striders. My first year of Cross Country was my 6th grade year at Ripley Middle School.

CM - Did you like running right from the start?

TS - Yes, I have always been competitive and enjoyed seeing how I could progress with my running.

CM - I can’t imagine many people can hang with you for workouts. Do you run with the boy’s team at all, and can they keep up?

TS -My workouts are usually on my own with the guidance of several coaches and a detailed workout plan.

CM - What other sports or activities do you take part in?

TS - I used to play basketball and softball but decided to concentrate solely on running my ninth grade year.

CM - What was the reason you didn’t compete in cross country during year freshman year?

TS – I did not compete my freshman cross country season due to a growth plate injury. I was out for 8 1/2 months. My foot was in a cast for a month, then 6 months of rehab.

CM - Did you watch the State meet? If so, what was that like since you are so competitive?

TS – I watched it online, my grandmother passed away the day of the state meet.

CM - You came back and ran during the spring track season. Do you have any one race or personal record time that you are most proud of?

TS - There really isn’t one that stands out. I am proud of all of my PR’s that were set this season, as well as my 4 state title medals.

CM - Have you had any disappointments, and how do you respond to a bad race?

TS - Yes, I have had a bad race here or there. I look back at how I raced and I use it as a reason to work harder.

CM - How did you prepare for your sophomore cross country season?

TS - I made a definite change in the amount of mileage I ran from the previous year. I started working with a coach and running with girls that were at my level or better than me at the time. It really made me realize how much work there was to be done.

CM - What are your goals for this XC season?

TS - To run a low 17:00, win states, and qualify for Footlocker Nationals.

CM - Is there any particular race you are looking forward too or runners that you are looking forward to competing against?

TS - I am looking forward to Louisville, States and Footlocker.

CM - Do you plan on running in college? If so, are there any colleges that you are interested in?

TS – Yes, I plan on running in college. I am interested in several colleges at the time, but have not narrowed down at this point.

CM - After the cross country season for the WVSSAC is over, will you take part in any of the national races like the Foot Locker Championships or the Nike XC Race?

TS – Yes, I plan on running at Footlocker South, in hopes of qualifying for Nationals.

CM - Sometimes runners will hit a time plateau and struggle to improve, but every season you have gotten considerably faster. Have you gradually done more mileage or harder training each year, or do you attribute your continued success to experience?

TS – No, I definitely have upped the mileage as well as more core work. My training regime has increased drastically.

CM - Do you put in a lot of miles during the off-season, or do you focus on other interests?

TS – This past summer, I ran approximately 50 miles a week. I also swim, bike, and lift.

CM - Has some of your success drawn more interest to running at Ripley High School?

TS – Not at this point, but I think we will see a difference this spring during Track Season.

CM - Who do you credit your success too?

TS - My coaches and my hard work ethic.

CM - Thank you for your time Tori. Good luck the rest of the season, and I hope to see you running at Cabell Midland in Ona in late October for the State XC Meet.

TS - Thank you for your time that you have invested in me.

Submitted by Coach McMillion (09/22/17)