We Salute Macie Ables, Olathe North


Name: Macie Ables

School: Olathe North High School 


Q: What does your training look like right now given the current situation?

A: It's been rough getting out and training but I've been doing what I can with my coaches at home workouts we receive daily. We've been told that even though our season is over it is our choice whether we want to get better or not and that when we get lazy and miss days there may be a competitor working to beat you for the next competition whenever that may be. 


Q: What are you doing to stay busy other than run right now?

A: I've been working on my technique for my shotput throw, I was going to compete with a rotational throw this season but now I get more time to clean up the technique a bit before the next season. I've also been spending time with friends and family lately because they all have been helping through this rough time.  


Q: What was your most memorable race/moment?

A: My most memorable time was during my sophomore season, I was doubted by so many during this season and it almost got to me. I kept pushing and working and in the end it payed off, I was put on the varsity team for league and regionals and wasn't even expected to make finals until I surprised everyone and finished in the top 8 at the regionals meet. This was by far my most memorable moment just because I learned that hard work really does pay off. 


Q: What was the funniest thing that happened during your running career?

A: The funniest thing that's happened is probably the weight relay or as we like to call it the "hog race". At the Olathe Invitational every year we have throwers do a 4x100m relay and in the end everyone gets Oreos as their medals! 

Q: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?

A: I would say myself, there's so many days especially early on where I wanted to quit and just give up, I was in a battle with myself asking if this was worth it and in the end it I've gotten the opportunity to see that this most definitely pays off. 


Q: What was your greatest accomplishment?

A: My greatest accomplishment happened during my offseason, I was recruited during the fall of 2019 to compete with Missouri Valley College and I couldn't be happier with my decision as they have been encouraging me all year long. 


Q: If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?

A: If I knew my freshman year or even when it started in 7th grade that I would be where I'm at now, maybe I would've pushed a little harder and took it more seriously at an earlier age even though we are meant to have fun in this sport, there's times where I needed to be more serious. 

Q: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

A: The most difficult things were definitely injuries, I had hurt my shoulder pretty bad midseason my freshman year and I had to work and comeback the next season. I also had to overcome the doubt that I received from the people you'd least expect it from and also just mental block, I'd get in my head and it was so bad but I learned to overcome it and it turned out well for me. 

Q: What will you miss the most?

A: Definitely my teammates, my teammates were the ones that pushed me so hard when I was doubting myself and were always my #1 cheerleaders no matter the outcome of placing or distance, they all have a special place in my heart. 


Q: What advice would you give to younger athletes?

A: It's not easy, I'll tell you that. Shotput to me is more of a lifestyle than a sport, it's a lot of hard work and definitely a commitment that you've got to make when you start it because if you can't put in 100% you're not going to get a good outcome which doesn't make it very fun. 


Q: What kind of an impact has your coach had on you and your team?

A: My head coach, Levi Huseman has always been the best at inspirational talks and being so positive and excited for each one of us, I'm definitely going to miss the daily high fives at practice as he tells us to have a great practice and get better today. As for my Shotput coach, Zach Johnson has been such an amazing coach to me and the team, he's so invested in us and is so excited for us to succeed. He was only my coach for the 2019 season but he changed me as a person and an athlete and I couldn't be thankful enough for all that he does for me and the team. 

Q: What are your college plans?

A: I committed to Missouri Valley College to throw for their track team in the Fall of 2020. There I will be studying health sciences so I can later become a paramedic. 


Q: Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?

A: There's so many people I would like to say thank you to but I especially want to say thank you to all the coaches at Olathe North and my coaches in Fredonia, Kansas who has all believed in me from the very beginning. Thank you to my teammates and fellow competitors for pushing me so hard. Finally I would like to thank my family for being at my events and supporting me always! 


Q: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Although this is circumstance is unfortunate, I can't wait for my next season. Also, I hope everyone stays healthy and good luck next season!  

Q: Favorite Meal?

A: I'd have to go with Mac N Cheese! 


Q: If you could be any animal what would you choose? and why?

A: I would be a sloth, they always look so happy and carefree!