For the first time this, we have co-runners of the week. This season, the twin sisters from Lansing HS, Nashia and Malika Baker, have become one of the best 1-2 duos in the state. Nashia, who is eight minute younger than Malika, has won six meets now this season. Her near-perfect season has one finish outside of first - a third place finish in the crimson division at Rim Rock. Malika has been close behind the entire season finishing second to Nashia three times this season. While she has yet to cross the line in front of her twin, Nashia has come very close finishing only .4 seconds behind her counterpart at Rim Rock. Malika and Nashia are not competitive between each other as they push each other to be better. "It is great to have Nashia to run with, she keeps me motivated and staying positive. At practice she'll tell me some things that she notices that we both can improve on and that really helps us both!" said Malika. They both pointed out that they push each other, making them both better. This past weekend they went 1-2 at their league meet, the Kaw Valley League Championship. They did it in an impressive fashion, clocking in at 14:38.10 for Nashia and 14:42.38 for Malika. This is a new PR for Malika and only two seconds off of Nashia's best time. We caught up with the twins to talk about their performance and the rest of their season.
Kansas Milesplit: You've gone undefeated in every race this season outside of Rim Rock, is this what you expected heading into the season?
Nashia Baker: I did not expect to be undeafeted in almost every race, but I try to go into every race with a positive attitude and strategy and let the rest fall into place.
KM: What were your plans for the league meet?
NB: I had run at the course five times before the League meet so my plans were to remain relaxed, stay on pace, and give my best effort.
Malika Baker: My plans for the league meet were to just stay relaxed and hopefully get a personal record. I had run the course a total of five times in my cross country career before league so I am pretty familiar with the course and the layout of it. I was very pleased with how I did, but I am still looking forward to see what the rest of the season holds for me!
KM: How did the race play out?
NB: My sister and I remained close for the majority of the race, but I began to make a final kick during the last hill which was about 800 meters from the finish.
MB: I tried to keep contact with Nashia as much as I could during the race. My objective in every race is just to do my best and to represent Lansing to the best of my ability.
KM: What are your goals for the next couple of weeks especially at state?
MB: My goals for the next couple of weeks are to stay strong during the practices to make sure that I can compete at the regional and state meets as well as I can. I am very familiar with the state course so I hope to get a course personal record there.
NB: My goals are to have no regrets and run each race like it is my final race. I have enjoyed every race that I have run in this year and I want to continue to try my best.
KM: How is the college search going? Are you planning on attending college with your sister?
NB: We are still early in the college search process. My sister and I have been in contact with a few colleges and are flattered by their interest. Malika and I are planning on attending the same college with the hope of contributing to the success of a cross country and track program.
More Coverage
Malika Baker's Athlete Profile