Government, low altitude, winter boots, and hot chocolate: Jackie Katzman

Cornell University and Ithaca, New York, are a long way from Albuquerque--in multiple respects. Tell us a little about the decision to attend Cornell.

 

My college decision was both academic and athletic. I wanted to be able to attend an academically rigorous university and run on a team that had a competitive running environment. Cornell was a perfect match! I absolutely love the team’s positive energy, and Ithaca is so beautiful. I’m in the College of Arts and Sciences and hope to major in Government. Even though Ithaca is extremely far away, I’ve always loved the East Coast and I am thinking of the entire thing like a big adventure! 

 

Are you ready for the winters in New York? 

 

I love hot chocolate, winter boots, and watching the snow fall. I enjoy running in the cold in New Mexico, and I’m excited to learn how to adapt to a completely different environment. Most of all though, I’m looking forward to getting to train and race at low altitude, and the cold is a good trade-off for this.

 

Do you have any indication yet which track event or events they'll try to work you into at Cornell?

 

Nothing is set in stone, but right now I feel like the 1500 is my strongest event. It’s possible that once I get into a college level training program I could surprise myself and become a longer distance runner, but I’m not sure yet. The Cornell team is incredibly deep and I’m so excited to be able to train everyday with such amazing athletes.

 

You've had an extraordinary amount of success in both cross country and track at the Bosque School. Can you pick out a single highlight of your high school career that stands above the others?

 

My favorite moment in my high school career was probably the State Cross Country Championships this last season. I got to finish 1-2-5 with two of my closest friends in the world. Kendall and I quite literally ran side by side the entire race, and both pushed each other to PRs. This race was just as much an athletic accomplishment for me as it was the conclusion of our five years of teamwork. I’ve been so fortunate in high school that my greatest competitors are also my very best friends. 

 

What's left to accomplish yet in high school track for you?

 

My primary goal this year is to perform as well as I possibly can at State. I ran the 800 leg of our SMR last year which won, so it would be amazing to get the opportunity to repeat that success. Individually, I want to defend my 1600 meter title from last year, and I’m not sure yet if I want to double in the 800 or the 3200. My goal is to be able to threaten a state record or two, if the New Mexico winds cooperate. In addition to State, I want to be able to perform well at larger meets like the Marilyn Sepulveda and hopefully get the chance to be able to compete in the Great Southwest.

 

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Jackie Katzman's goals for the remaining season of her high school career are ambitious goals, but--as well all know--it's ambition that gets things done. If you live in the Albuquerque area, you should have several opportunities to go out and see her chase down a few dreams on the Saturdays of spring. I'm not sure, though, how much we can do about that wind...