Highland runner Katie Schuler has growth mindset

Highland junior Katie Schuler is one of the fastest risers on the Medina County girls cross country scene. Through a tremendous amount of hard work, determination and an eagerness to find the right mix of techniques, Schuler has put a somewhat frustrating sophomore campaign behind her and is setting timing clocks ablaze this season. "I'm really happy with how it's going on an individual level and a team level," she said. "I'm really proud of how we've been doing. "I think I've trusted myself and my coaches a lot more. I've believed in the work that I've put in a lot more than I did last season." Working with a more compact stride and a wealth of knowledge gained at the West Point Army Track and Field camp over the summer, Schuler has set personal records in each of her first three races. First there was 19:11.13 that placed her 12th at the Riverside HOKA Showcase night race. Then came a fifth-place finish at Ashland in 19:05.7. Last weekend she was fourth at Wooster in 18:36.77. The latter time is the second fastest in the county this season, behind reigning Gazette MVP Maggie Gershutz of Wadsworth, who finished one spot ahead of Schuler at Wooster in 18:20.82. "She's competing at a level that I don't think she knew she could compete at," Highland coach Devan Lippincott said. "To see the smile on her face when I walk up to her after a race, this kind of sheepish smile on her face, to recognize she did an outstanding job, it's great to see that." Schuler called Wooster her favorite race, and it's where she has posted her best time each season of her career with a 19:25.2 as a freshman and 20:20.16 last season. She beat that mark by nearly two minutes this fall and will begin to try to top that time of 18:36.77 today at the Galion Invitational. After two honorable mention All-Gazette seasons, the thoughtful and considerate Schuler is enjoying the success, though you are unlikely to see it in much of an outward expression. "I really like the feeling of accomplishment it gives you," Schuler said. "I also think it's really great for your health and mentality. "I'm really hard-working. I always give it my all at practice and try to have a good mindset when I race." Among the accomplishments she is hoping to mark off is a team trip to regionals and at least an individual trip to the state meet, which would be her first, after Highland's season ended at the Lorain County Community College Division I District last season. Schuler has worked to improve in a variety of ways, whether it was taking her previous long, loping stride and turning it into one that more efficiently used her energy in a race or the training and recovery techniques she learned at West Point, a camp she called "really intense." She also diligently attacked the Hornets' offseason workout program, mostly by herself while spending the summer working on Kelleys Island. "Things she may have learned at camp, things that we've talked about doing at training, she's really pieced these things together and really found a great groove between training and racing," Lippincott said. "I think she's in a fantastic place with her mental approach. She's always been good, but she's reaping the benefits of the time she's put in." Always looking to do the right thing for the team and others, Schuler was elected captain this season along with senior Ava Pallante. Lippincott had those interested in becoming captain take the National Federation of State High School Associations' leadership course, something usually taken by high school coaches, as well as write an essay to him and the rest of the Hornets about why they want to be captain. Schuler's responses only confirmed what Lippincott already believed about his star. "I've been so fortunate to see her growth, not only leading by action, but taking steps to become a leader," he said. "Without hesitation, she's now willing to verbally lead and demonstrate, especially to our younger kids, what it takes to get prepared mentally, physically and emotionally to go out there and race." Schuler said being a leader was important to her because she wants to make cross country as enjoyable for her teammates as it is for her. "They're very important," Schuler said. "You have to have fun while also taking stuff seriously." That mentality aligns with what Lippincott has seen from Schuler every day for three seasons. "She's one of the most humble, unassuming kids that I've ever taught or coached," he said. "She is just a very kind and compassionate kid. She's relatively quiet, until she's around her friends, of course, but she's also a tremendous student and someone that represents her school at the highest level." Contact John Urchek at jurchek@medina-gazette.com.