State Bank Financial Senior Spotlight

Parents’ names: Cindy and Andy Scharenbroch

Siblings: Ben, Elliot, Sam, Monica and Gwen Scharenbroch

Position or events: 5k race in cross country/400, 800 and 1600 in track

Career highlight: Winning my cross country conference race my senior year of high school.

Who introduced you to the sport?

My parents introduced me to the sport when I was very young. They would bring us along to several half and full marathons that they ran. Along with that they signed me up for the Hub City duathlon as well and I fell in love with the competitive side of running through that experience.  

Has this always been your favorite sport? 

Running has always been my favorite sport due to the amazing people I have gotten the privilege to run with and the fun and competition the sport brings. 

How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year?

My freshman year I did not know how to very well balance academics and athletics, however my teachers were extremely helpful as well as my coaches and by my senior year I was able to maintain As in several AP classes while also setting new PRs for myself in my sports. 

What is your favorite part about this sport?

The amazing team I get to run with every year is my favorite part about this sport. We all have so much fun on long runs, pushing each other in races, and cheering each other on every day. 

What about it has caused you to stick with it for this long?

The friends I have made through these sports are what keep me coming back. We all have so much fun practicing and racing together that it makes you never want to leave practice, or the bus after a race day. 

What would you say is your biggest asset on the field/mat?

My biggest asset on the track is my teammate Adeline Lonsdale. She is my favorite training partner and the best person to run with during a race. She pushes me further than I thought I could go and never lets me have a negative mindset. I don’t think I would have gotten as far as I have without her helping me and running with me every step of the way. She is so much fun to run with and I will miss her next year. 

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?

My most memorable experience in high school sports was breaking the 31 year old 4x800 school record my junior track season. We had such an amazing group of girls for that 4x800 and we pushed each other so much in practice while also having a great time together. Then finally one day we got to race on our home track and broke the record by 10 seconds. It was an amazing day and I am forever grateful for getting the opportunity to run with those amazing ladies. 

How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)?

Looking back on my four years at MHS, all I can say is how blessed I feel for all the opportunities and experiences I have gained. I have had amazing coaches, wonderful teachers, and made some incredible friends too. I have grown a lot since my freshman year in both sports and academics and I am proud of how far I’ve come and excited for the doors my hard work has opened for me. 

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to give a shout out to?

I’d love to give a shoutout to Coach Akin. He has been my cross country coach and distance track coach for these past four years and I owe everything to him. He shaped me into the runner I am today and I never could have accomplished all I did without him. I’d also like to thank Coach Ali (my head track coach) for all she has done for me. She reminds me that I am more than just my sport and has supported me in so many ways throughout my high school journey. I will miss both of them greatly. 

Any hobbies outside of sports?

Outside of Marshfield sports, I also have swam competitively for the YMCA swim team for 13 years and am involved in both band and piano lessons. 

Favorite song?

My favorite song would have to be “Drag Me Down,” by One Direction. I listen to this song before every race and it helps remind me how many people believe in me and how I need to believe in myself and trust my training. 

Future plans?

Next year I will be continuing my education and athletic career at the University of Minnesota Crookston. I will be majoring in biology there and then will pursue a career as a nurse anesthetist.