Sophomore cross country runner Zachary Hebeler was recently named one of Milesplit’s Most Improved Runners in Region 4-AAAA.
On Sept. 7, Hebeler improved his time on the state meet course at Carrollton from last year, where he was seeded to run 22:01:09 by over four minutes, 18:00:08, which got him recognized by Milesplit. Last season, Hebeler sustained an achilles injury, which hurt his performances. He said he had to stop running and start physical therapy to fix his injury. After physical therapy, Hebeler was determined to better his times.
“It felt really good to improve; last season I was kind of injured, so I knew I would have to work hard to get better this season,” Hebeler said.
After physical therapy ended for Hebeler, he was ready to improve. His teammates and coaches have recognized how he has been able to put more effort in this season to cut down on his times and prove that he is ready to work hard to get the times he wants.
“Zachary’s ability to bounce back from his injury he sustained last year has really shocked most of the team,” sophomore teammate Will Ellen said. “This season he has been able to train a lot harder and increase his mileage.”
Under a new coach this season, Hebeler has been doing more intensive workouts and runs focused on getting his mileage up. Jamal Willis, Hebeler’s new coach, said he has been impressed with the amount of work Hebeler has put in.
“He made a very big jump from last year when he was injured,” Willis said. “He’s been very consistent with the workouts. He has been coming out and doing the little things and that equals big improvements.”
With a new coach and no injury, Hebeler has been able to make the most of his workouts, always completing them. Ellen said Hebeler’s attendance at practice is much better than last year’s.
“He’s there almost every day,” Ellen said. “I think it’s really cool how he has been able to be so consistent this season. I mean, he’s shown up, put in the work, and it’s paying off.”
Hebeler said he wants to run under 17:30, a mark that may secure a state spot.
“Right now, the times I’m running are good, but I want to at least run under 17:30 this season,” Hebeler said. “I think that will help me for next season.”
Hebeler’s progression with his times have shown vast improvement. Hebeler has said last season his PR was 21:35.80, but this season he has improved his time to 18:00.08, cutting off almost four minutes.
“My teammates have helped inspire me to run faster, and now, I’m easily able to keep up with them in practice,” Hebeler said. “Being able to run with them at practice has helped me in the race because I am then in the mindset that I can keep up with them and run the times they usually run.”
Hebeler’s teammates and coaches have noticed how they help push him. Ellen said Hebeler runs better when he is running with his faster teammates because they are able to encourage him to keep pace with them.
“Last year, because of his injury and times, he was used to running with guys that were his pace at the time,” Ellen said. “Once he finished physical therapy, he started to be able to keep up with faster-paced teammates, and his race times have been better.”
Hebeler said recovering from his injury is the main thing that has made improvement in his times possible this season. He also credits his success to his new coach and his teammates, who are helping to push him through the season.
“Having my teammates encourage me this season has really helped me be better,” Hebeler said, “Being able to run at my full potential and improve my time has really made me enjoy this season a lot more.”
