Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week-Abby Cain

Long distance running has become more popular in recent years. From 5k’s to marathons, running to raise money for a cause, and everything in between, everyone seems to know someone who is training to run. Unlike a lot of people who pick up the sport later in life, junior Abby Cain was born with the spirit and competitiveness of a runner. It is Abby’s tenacity and drive that have made her this week’s student athlete of the week.

Abby’s career as a runner began in the 6th grade at Plank Junior High. Abby’s passion has been obvious since then, as her father, Doug Cain, says “She hasn’t stopped [running since she started].” Abby’s passion is derivative from the toughness the sport demands and the challenges it poses. “Not everyone can do it, which makes it challenging and fun,” says Abby.

Cross country Coach Lisa Cook has seen Abby’s determination and passion grow through her 3 years in the program. As a freshman and sophomore, Abby ran varsity and gained a lot of experience. “This year, she is driven to be great,” says Cook. She continues by saying, “This summer, when others were relaxing and sitting by the pool, Abby was out running--most often for the second time that day. She put in extra miles and has worked very hard for the gains she is seeing. She has really improved her focus and drive, and everyone around her can see it.”

Abby’s times have improved dramatically for the 3 mile, as she has gone from a personal record of 19:40 as a freshmen, to 18:35 as a sophomore, and this year her best is a time of running 18:22. Not only has Abby improved on her personal best times, but she has also shown growth and maturity as a person. Abby’s personality can at times come off as shy, but she serves as an excellent captain and mentor to her teammates. “As a student and an athlete, Abby has come to appreciate the direct connection between hard work and results and the importance of commitment,” says Doug. “Even when she encounters an obstacle that might cause others to stop, she keeps going.”

Abby uses her grit and determination to excel in the classroom as well. Abby takes a rigorous course load which includes AP Biology, and Honors Anatomy and Physiology. She has earned a 3.03 cumulative G.P.A., and is looking into attending Marquette University when she graduates. Abby also plans on running and competing in college, and would like to major in either physical therapy or exercise psychology.

Although Abby has plans for the future, she remains grounded in the here and now. She has a personal goal of breaking the 18:00 minute mark, this season, and she would like to make all-conference and qualify for state. As a captain, she is responsible for helping set the pace for her teammates to follow. With Abby at the helm, the lady wolves are hoping for a good showing at regionals and qualifying as many girls as possible for state.

Although she is only a junior, Abby has set herself apart from her classmates and has obviously gained the respect of her teammates after receiving a unanimous vote to be their captain. Oswego East as a community is happy Abby will be around for another year and a half to model her passion and determination, which will include a whole new group of freshmen in the fall. Her advice to those future wolves is to “Stay on top of things and get outside of your comfort zone, because you only get to do high school once.”