Success does not come by accident. Just ask Montezuma-Cortez High School harrier and recent state qualifier Rachel Demby.
DEDICATION TO TRAINING
Begin by asking Demby about how she prepared for the 2013 cross country season. The junior will matter-of-factly respond that she trained six days per week throughout the summer.
“I would go to the weight room and lift with the football boys in the morning,” Demby said. “I also would run six days per week. On a long day, I would do five or six miles. On a speed day, I would do at least three miles.”
“(Demby) is as committed an athlete as I’ve ever coached,” said Paul Koops. “She’s also really coachable. “She solicits ideas. She’s smart enough to accept what works for her. She’s humble enough to know that she doesn’t know it all, that there is room for growth.”
DEDICATION TO WINNING
Next, inquire as to what pushes Demby to train. She will explain that she adores the sport of running. She also will speak of her competitive nature and her burning desire to win.
“Running is probably my favorite thing to do,” said Demby. “I like racing. I’m really competitive.”
“(Demby) likes to win,” echoed Koops. “She likes the feeling of being the best that she can be. She likes to push herself and test herself.”
DEDICATION TO ACADMICS
Then, question Demby as to her life away from the track. She will speak of a commitment to academics and of a desire to one day pursue higher education.
“I’m in the honors program, and I take AP classes,” Demby said. “I would really like to attend a good college and then go on to get a master’s or a higher degree. Both my parents are doctors so I’m looking into sports medicine.”
“It’s really exciting when you can come to cross country and talk about literature,” said Koops of his star runner’s intelligence. “It’s fun because it connects us in ways beyond just a sports connection. It’s an intellectual connection, and its really gratifying.”
DEDICATION TO CONTINUED SUCCESS
Finally, ask about Saturday, Oct. 26, the date of the 4A State Championship cross country meet. Demby will excitedly respond that she hopes to perform well.
“Just getting to state was really great,” said Demby. “Anything right now is just going to be extra, but I definitely want to go out and run well.”
“It’s a complete unknown for us because we haven’t had the opportunity to run that course,” said Koops, speaking about the state meet. “It’s a huge field. There are somewhere between 175 and 200 kids in the race.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
And after all those questions, take a second to consider Demby’s place in the bigger picture, because ultimately, that is what high school athletics are all about.
On so many levels, Demby is the epitome of a student athlete. Highly accomplished in her sport and well-rounded in the rest of her life, one of M-CHS’s brightest young stars will reach great heights. And through the steller example that she sets, Demby will undoubtedly encourage a few others to travel with her.
imaclaren@cortezjournal.com