Senior Erin Hicks Explores New Passion in Running

Despite this being only her second season of cross country, senior Erin Hicks has proved her ability by placing first at four out of five meets so far this season.

Since Erin began running two years ago, she has worked her way up to being “one of the best runners we’ve ever had” according to cross country coach PattiSue Plumer.

Last year at CCS finals, Erin placed 10th for the 1600-meter race. The only meet she has not won this year is the Stanford Invitational, in which she placed sixth.

Always looking to improve, Erin said she could have done better at Stanford if she had not started so quickly and had saved energy for after the mile mark.

“My biggest challenge is learning how to kick at the end of the race,” Erin said. “At the end you really have to pick it up as people start sprinting to the finish line.”

In order to stay fit and improve her endurance and speed, Erin runs 6 days a week at cross country practice, doing 8 to 9 miles daily for an average of 45 minutes to an hour.

“Getting a good variety of long runs and speed work just to keep up your endurance as well as your ability to sprint [is important],” Erin said.

“She’s very determined, trains really hard and is very coachable,” Plumer said.

Running has not always been Erin’s sport. Before joining track as a sophomore, she did gymnastics both on the school team and outside of school. But Erin said school gymnastics team was low-key compared to her level of commitment to the sport. With few
competitions and a focus on artistic gymnastics instead of Erin’s specialty, rhythmic gymnastics, Erin said school gymnastics was not the right fit for her. She looked to track as an alternative.

“I just wanted to try something different since I did gymnastics for my whole life,” Erin said. “I thought running would be interesting.”

Plumer said Erin is a great role model because she is “living proof” that success is based on training well.

“People really respect her and look up to her,” Plumer said. “The progress that she’s made inspires everybody else.”
Erin has a specific personal goal driving her to succeed.

“[I want] to make it to states this year because last year I just barely missed it,” Erin said.
Erin has received letters and emails from colleges expressing interest in either recruiting or recommending her to the undergraduate admission’s office because of her running ability.

She has been in contact with Division III schools such as MIT and Claremont McKenna, as well as Division I schools such as Santa Clara University. Erin hopes to continue running after high school.

“She’s a runner that will definitely run in college, which is really remarkable given that she’s only in her second year of cross country.” Plumer said. “She has what it takes to be a national class runner.”