(Harlan, IA) — Harlan’s Track and Field teams have had a tradition in recent years of strong long distance runners and Sophomore Ashlyn Rau is not only continuing it but is also a bridge to future generations.
Rau has twice been to state in cross country, finishing in 19th place as a freshman and 10th this past fall. Last year on the track, Rau just missed the medal stand in the 3000 at state, finishing in 9th place and also helped the Cyclones 4×800 qualify for the blue oval. Of all the distances in track, Rau says she likes the 3000 the best
So far this year, Rau actually has been better in the one mile — ranking 3rd in the Hawkeye Ten and 13th in Class 3A. Rau is 6th in the conference and 24th in Class 3A in the two mile. Rau simply says she is built better for longer races
Rau credits her teammates for making her a better runner and she got the chance to run with Lindsey Sonderman who was Harlan’s leader the last few years and is now running at Northern Iowa. Rau says there were things that Sonderman helped her with and she is trying to pass those things on to freshman Julia Hestlink
Rau does not know why she started loving running — her Mom did some track and both parents were mostly into basketball. Rau says that was not for her. Now she is focused on having a big season on the track
Rau and the Harlan girls track team are scheduled to compete tonight in Denison.
Complete Interview with Harlan Sophomore Ashlyn Rau
