Concordia graduate and NC State recruit Mallory Weller repeated as state champion in the 3200-meter run and 1600-meter run at the IHSAA girls state track meet.
Weller suffered a stress fracture in her tibia last September. She went on to collect back-to-back state crowns in early June.
In a Q&A, the IndyStar girls track Athlete of the Year reflected on her championship success and commitment to NC State.
Her responses have been edited for clarity, length and style.
Question: What did it mean for you to win back-to-back state titles in the 3200-meter run and 1600-meter run?
Answer: “Winning back-to-back state titles was obviously a huge goal I had entering my senior year, so it meant a lot being able to accomplish that. It meant that all the work I put in coming back from injury was all worth it.”
Question: How did you stay motivated after reaching the state mountaintop as an individual during your junior year?
Answer: “I never leave a season thinking I reached my full potential. Meaning, I always know I can accomplish more if I stay consistent and determined. So, that’s exactly what I did from junior to senior year. I made my goals even bigger and worked hard to reach them.”
Question: Did you feel pressure going into your senior year as the defending state champion in two events?
Answer: “I definitely felt pressure with having a target on my back but that’s inevitable. Instead of getting worked up about it, I remind myself it’s a huge privilege to be doing what I’m doing, which helps refocus my mindset.”
Question: When people look back at your high school career, how do you want to be remembered?
Answer: “I hope I can be remembered as a runner who challenged herself but didn’t get too absorbed in outcomes or expectations. This just means that obviously I’ve spent a huge amount of time in training and races but I never let it define who I was. I had a very full life and an amazing high school experience —without running.”
Question: How did your experience as a high school runner shape who you are today?
Answer: “Especially in the recent years, Indiana running has become really competitive and high level so that has definitely helped me in my running.”
Question: What did it mean to represent Fort Wayne Concordia?
Answer: “Being at Concordia has been a blessing. I’m surrounded by teammates who are also my best friends, and my coaches are extremely supportive. It’s been an honor being able to do the things I’ve been able to do with a cross on my back and (the word) cadet written across my chest.”
Question: What made NC State the right college fit for you?
Answer: “NC State felt like a perfect fit for me. I connected very well with the coaches and team. I’ve been so inspired watching the incredible things they do and I’m excited to be part of it. I know I’ll be able to be the best version of myself there as a runner, but also a person.”
Marc Ray is a high school sports reporter at the IndyStar. He can be reached at marc.ray@indystar.com , and on X, formerly Twitter, at @themarcszn.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Q&A: Concordia grad, NC State recruit Mallory Weller talks state title repeat
Reporting by Marc Ray, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Marc Ray, Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
