Under the Monocle: Lydia Hickey
Photo Courtesy of Abby Moriarty
Lydia Hickey, sophomore, passes her competition during the last 800 meters of her race during the Notre Dame Richard Spring Invitational in Peoria, Illinois. Sat. Sept. 16, 2017
Sophomore Lydia Hickey started running competitively in middle school and has been running ever since. She inherited her interest and talent for running from her dad, who is a dedicated marathon runner himself.
Hickey joined the girls cross country team her freshman year and soon realized her talent and love for running, as well as how dedicated and hardworking the team’s atmosphere is.
“Last year it was really cool to be surrounded by girls who really love to run and have a passion for getting better.” said Hickey. “I had never really been apart of something like it before, and I knew right away that it was something I loved being a part of.”
Hickey was one of the top twelve athletes last season, which made her an alternate for the state qualifying varsity team. This season, she has dropped almost 30 seconds off of her best time and has consistently been a top seven runner, which she accredits to her increase in confidence.
“I think that I have gained confidence this year, which has resulted in me dropping time,” said Hickey. “ I’ve learned how to race better and be more confident in myself during the races.”
The girls cross country team is known for their focused and determined, yet family-like atmosphere. Every year the girls create tight-knit bonds and friendships within the team and push each other to do their best and run their fastest. Being in group one, especially as an underclassman, can be extremely difficult at times, but the girls help each other out and look out for one another.
“My team is what gets me through every workout and meet,” said Hickey.”They push me to stay with them, and I don’t know where I would be without them.”
With the state series quickly approaching and girls coming off a great victory at the Wheaton Warrenville Invite and having some incredible performances at their conference meet, the team is proving just how big of a competitor they are to their competition.
“I think our team has improved so much since last year.” said Hickey. “We are so ready to take on these next meets leading up to our state meet.
Sarah Pinkowski is a senior and is ecstatic for her second year on the York-Hi staff and her first year as a features editor. She is heavily involved...
