Sports
Cross-Training Proves Smart Move for Stassen
Dearborn High senior Sara Stassen is a talented runner and captains Pioneer girls track this spring.
Sara Stassen is one smart cookie when it coming to running.
The senior decided last fall to forego the cross-country season to allow herself time to heal after running summer outdoor track and go into the indoor season fresh. Instead of sitting around, she joined the school's swim team and earned a varsity letter through her dedication and hard work.
Her cross-training paid off big time.
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Heading into the indoor season with fresh legs, as well as a new way to cross-train during the season, she had her best indoor season yet. She ran season best times at indoor nationals in New York in both the 800m and mile run.
"Sara has a new appreciation for hard work," Dearborn girls varsity track coach Dawn Polk said. "When it comes to running, she is very talented."
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Stassen placed 10th in the state last year in the 800 and broke the school record. This year, in the team's only meet, she anchored two winning relays (4x400m and 4x800m) and fought with her sister Anna to the finish in both the 800m and mile run against .
"As a captain, the team is looking to Sara to lead not just by example but also through her former cheerleader personality," said Polk.
