Chasing down the competition

by Matthew Ondesko: Managing Editor

It has been quite the year for Frontier High School’s Lillie Bogdan.

Not only did she commit to run at Georgetown University, Bogdan also just recently won the 2000M steeplechase at the New Balance Nationals, and took home the 2000M steeplechase title at the Nike Outdoor Nationals.

One of the most decorated runners to ever grace Frontier High School, Bogdan wasn’t even sure she wanted to do the steeplechase when she first began running. When she was in eight grade, Bogdan was still trying to figure out what events she wanted to run when her coach suggested the steeplechase.

Not even knowing what it was, Bogdan gave it a try and the rest is history.

“I began my first year of outdoor track during eighth grade on varsity. Still trying to figure out what events I wanted to focus on that year, I remember my coach asking me if I wanted to run steeplechase at an invitational. Not even knowing what that had even meant, I said yes. Entering the race with one steeple practice, meet day had arrived. As the gun went off, I had been doing fairly well until I saw my first water barrier and fell,” stated Bogdan. “I got up and continued running, but no matter how high I had jumped to get over the barriers, I had kept falling. After that race, I thought I would never do that event ever again, but then the next year I decided to give it another shot. With more practice and hurdle drills, I had ended up becoming a New York State medalist and All American in the steeplechase. Over that year, I never expected to become so successful in an event I had barely even known about a year ago. It showed me that hard work, dedication, and having a positive mindset can change the way you respond to challenges.”

Training for such an event like the steeplechase is much different that training for any other track and field event. Many may think jumping over hurdles all day long would be the most effective way to get your training in for such an event.

But, it’s actually the opposite. Bogdan has a routine that works for her - and it has gotten her where she needs to be without all the injuries that come with track and field.

“Training for an event like steeplechase is definitely different from a typical distance workout. Applying simple mobility exercises and form work is an effective way to increase speed and prevent injuries,” stated Bogdan. “It may seem like a lot of hurdling is mandatory for steeple workouts, but it can actually cause more damage on the hips and knees. Therefore, low-intensity workouts with hurdles can sometimes be more beneficial, depending on the workouts you are doing for that week.”

As Bogdan began to perfect her craft her times staring getting better, she started winning events, and the ceiling started getting higher. As she was winning, everyone was taking notice. Bogdan started traveling to these bigger events across the country.

It gave her a chance to prove herself against some of the best runners in the country. It allowed her, win or lose, to take away things from these events to improve her overall performance.

“Being able to attend races around the state and country is such an honoring experience. Competing against people that could be from an entirely different section or even state is so eye-opening,” stated Bogdan. “At times, performing on a big stage can be very stressful, but taking a step back and having the opportunity to say that you have met accomplished athletes and are possibly competing against future stars makes you realize that all of the hard work you had put in, finally paid off.

The hard work she has put in over her career definitely paid off when she committed to Georgetown University, one of the top universities in the country. While she made the decision to be a Hoya, it wasn’t an easy one.

She was trying to decide what school to attend, but there was something about Georgetown that just made her feel at home. As soon as she stepped on campus, Bogdan felt like she belonged.

“After many phone calls with coaches, I knew that it was going to be a tough decision. All of the schools I had talked to had such amazing programs and stellar athletes, but something about Georgetown was so much different,” stated Bogdan. “From the very first day I stepped on campus, it just felt like I belonged. The girls on the team had such positive attitudes and a strong drive for the sport, and I think seeing that made me want to become a Hoya”

While she was able to make her decision, the recruiting process can be a daunting one at times. Athletes, at times, have to sell themselves to the college or university they may want to attend. Throughout the process, an athlete definitely will get a better understanding of themselves as a person and athlete.

But, it’s not all about recognition. Yes, you want to be recruited, and go to a great school. Sometimes, however, and athlete forgets why they got into the sport in the first place. It’s not for the recognition and the fame, but for the love of the sport they chose.

Having the love of the sport will help them get where they want to be. If you are good enough someone will find you.

“Looking back at the process, I have definitely become more confident as an athlete and as a whole person. Talking over the phone and having coaches reach out to you, makes you feel like you are a force to be reckoned with,” stated Bogdan. “To be completely honest, I never truly focused on getting my name out there. I ran because I wanted to prove to myself that I can push myself through tough challenges. Sometimes, I think we forget about why we take interest in our sport and how we got to be in the position that most of us athletes are in today. Often, I think our society misconceptualized the essence of sports, focusing more on recognition rather than the personal growth and passion that drive us.”