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Rudy runs the competition off the track
By George Starks
GREENVILLE- Like his female counterpart, Paige Keller, sophomore Clarke
Rudy has become one of the best in Darke County in track and field.
Rudy has more than proven himself as one of the best, blowing away the
competition in the 100 meters. In addition, Rudy competes in the 4x100
and 4x200 as well as the long jump and on occasion, Coach Bill
Plessinger will put him in the 200 meters as well.
“We just go where the coach tells us,” said Rudy. “He signs me up and I
run it. He never has me doing more than four events so if he wants me
in the 200, I’ll drop something else.”
So what drives Rudy?
“Determination,” said the young sophomore. “Practice after practice, I
just try to get better and better.”
From one week to the next, Rudy admits, it’s all between the ears when
it comes to being prepared.
“It’s mental preparation,” Rudy stated. “When you go out on the track
to run or to do a field event, no matter what that is, you have to be
mentally prepared. You have to be at your best because anyone can beat
you if you’re not ready mentally. The physical aspect goes without
saying. You have to be ready physically also but if your head’s not in
it, you’re not in it.”
No matter how good Rudy gets, he realizes there’s work to be done.
“I come out here and work on what needs to be worked on,” Rudy said.
“There’s always room for improvement and I try to get better every day.
The minute I come out here after school, I know I have to work hard in
practice and get better.”
Like Keller, Rudy was humbled yet felt honored to be named Athlete of
the Month.
“This means a lot to me,” admitted Rudy. “Paige and I are both just
sophomores and there are so many outstanding athletes out there. This
county is full of talent. I mean guys like Sam Prakel (Versailles) are
out there and that speaks volumes. He could be the Athlete of the month
every month. He’s that good.”
When it comes to beating the competition, Rudy admits, the competition
is stiff and he has to be ready every time he steps onto the track.
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