Illinois Prep Top Times

Interview with Ashley Verplank

Bloomington Senior Ashley Verplank has been a staple on the Illinois prep scene her entire high school career.  Verplank has been an all-state candidate since her sophomore year in track as well as one of the finest all-around runners in the state- showing tremendous range from 400m to 5k.  Verplank ran the second fastest 800m time in Illinois prep girls history at the 2007 Nike Outdoor Nationals with a blazing 2:07.59.  She is now poised to do even better as she seeks a pair of state titles and more post-season national glory.  As well, Verplank has excelled in the classroom, and recently signed a letter of intent to compete at the prestigious University of North Carolina.  Before it is all said and done Verplank has an opportunity to place her name alongside some of the great runners that came before her.

IPTT: First, we want to congratulate you for having such a successful and consistently solid career.  Often, female athletes come into this sport and make an immediate impact and then fall off.  What is the secret of your success in terms of longevity?

AV: This is a question you should probably ask my coach.  Because I have such a great working relationship with my coach (Culbertson), he deals with the technical things that will make me faster and I just replicate his great coaching abilities.  Ever since I was a freshman he has brought me up slowly and with each year keeps adding bigger challenges with larger expectations.  My longevity is due to my support at home and from my coach who I consider the best in the world.

IPTT: What is your athletic background?  Did you play other sports prior to becoming a full-time runner?

AV: Ever since I could remember I have always been an active person.  Being that I have an older brother, I was involved in athletics quickly.  When I was younger I played soccer and basketball because running never occurred to me.  When my brother started running cross country and track, I would do workouts with in the summers and that is when my passion for running began.  I played basketball my freshman year and then quit due to mono, after I recovered from mono I vowed that I wouldn’t go back because running was more important.

IPTT: Although you are one of the best all-around athletes in the state do you ever feel slighted because you’re from Central Illinois?

AV: I would have to say no.  Our coaches have done a great job of taking us up north to compete against the best.  We try to run a very tough schedule and choose the most packed race on the schedule.

IPTT: Please share your goals for the upcoming season in full detail.

AV: My goals continue to stay the same each year.  Of course I am going to try for the 800m title again, and I would like to defend the mile.  With the rest of my goals… well, let’s just say there is too many to list.

IPTT: What were your feelings after finishing second in last spring’s 800m state final after being the favorite to win it all?

AV: Of course no one likes to finish second.  It was very disappointing to finish runner-up for same reason two years in a row.  I am always ready to run and to have the finish that I did upset me.

IPTT: Illinois has left a tremendous legacy over the past several years with Alexandria Anderson (Morgan Park), Shalina Clarke (Evanston), and Katelyn Bastert (Carthage).  How do you want to be remembered?

AV: If I could be mentioned in the same sentence as Shalina Clarke, Alexandria Anderson, and Katelyn Bastert, that would be an honor.  I know that each one of those girls are remembered for their special attributes to the sport.  I would like to be remembered as one of the toughest and fiercest competitors with an amazing kick.

IPTT: It has been rumored that you don’t like cross country but after earning all-state honors this past fall and competing well among the state’s best, do you understand the importance of if for track?

AV: I have always understood the importance of Cross Country; however, I have never liked it.  I mean three miles compared to two laps, what would you take?

IPTT: What do you like to do outside of running?

AV: I am a huge homebody.  I love to stay in the comfort of my own home and watch movies with my family.  My friends also mean a lot to me, so I like to hang out with the girls too.

IPTT: Favorite class?

AV: English Language Composition is my favorite class.  I have always enjoyed writing papers and expressing my opinions.

IPTT: Do you have any words of encouragement for young girls wanting to get into middle distance running?

AV: I, first, would like to tell them that there is nothing better than the sport of running.  Running will teach them many traits and skills that most sports cannot offer.  I would also like to tell them that it does not matter that you come in first or last, it matters how much effort they put into the race, regardless of how they finish.  Last is good as first when you are achieving your personal best.