Braves senior excels in the hurdles

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For The Tribune

Coming into her freshman year at Brownstown Central High School, Sophie Kreis thought she was going to be playing basketball and volleyball all four years.

“Then, as I got more into the sports, I realized that maybe they weren’t as much for me as compared to other people, so I quit basketball after my sophomore year,” Kreis said. “I loved volleyball, but I didn’t get a lot of playing time, so this past year, I chose to play golf.”

While her plans changed, Kreis is happy with her decisions.

SHe has stayed with track and field all four years, and this spring, she is running the 100- and 300-meter hurdles and in the relays.

“I’ve been running the 100s since sixth grade,” Kreis said. “I alternate because I four-step. I tried to three-step, and maybe I will, but it’s harder. I usually like to be in the middle during meets. In the conference and sectional, those are the fastest lanes.”

Her best time in the 100s is 17.1 seconds.

“I like how it’s something added onto just running because I’m not just a fan of going out there and running,” Kreis said. “I like the extra something that it brings. It’s really not something that a lot of people can do, so it’s pretty cool that I can do it. I’m not the best in the world, but I enjoy running them. The 300 hurdles are probably the hardest race.”

Kreis said it is hard running hurdles on the curve.

“It really gets you because it seems like such a longer race, and then when you add the hurdles into it, once you hit that last curve, it’s like you just hit a wall,” she said. “You just have to keep pushing through it.”

Kreis said early in the season, she was running in the 1,600-meter relay to get in better condition.

The senior likes a lot of different aspects of track.

“I like being able to be with my friends and that it’s more like a laid-back type sport,” Kreis said. “You just go out and do your own thing, but there is also the team aspect of it, cheering on your teammates and your friends and being able to be with all of them. That’s what I really like about it.

“I like the big meets just because there is the atmosphere. It’s just crazy, but it is a lot more nerve-racking. The small meets, I feel a lot less pressure. I really want to advance in the 100 hurdles to regional.”

Kreis said she is glad she switched to golf this past fall.

“I actually loved it,” she said. “It’s probably one of my favorite sports I’ve played. I loved coach (Brandon) Allman. He was great, and all the girls I played with, we just had a really good time.

“I would say I hit my drives pretty well at times. My shorter game wasn’t really as (strong), but I could hit my drives pretty well.”

She said her low round was 57 strokes at Otis Park in Bedford.

“I felt really good when we went there,” Kreis said. “I loved the home matches. I think it’s really a great course, and I just liked having the home effect of it. My favorite hole was No. 9. I don’t know why, but I always did really well on No. 9.

“I’m really glad I played. It was my choice. It was best for me and my situation. That was part of it, getting to learn how to play. I played when I was younger and liked doing lessons with John (Olson, Hickory Hills pro).”

Kreis encourages athletes to take practices seriously.

“I think practice is really important for people to be able to improve,” Kreis said. “The meets are the time to show off what you have practiced on. Practice is your time to get better, and even in the offseason, that’s an important aspect of being a good athlete.”

Kreis has enjoyed attending BCHS.

“We have good teachers,” Kreis said. “They really want to help us, and they’re there for us, and I love the atmosphere that this whole community brings and the school.

“I’m just going to remember all the memories that I’ve made, from Alan Ballard driving us every time we were on the bus — I love him so much, he’s such a sweet guy — to being in class with my friends. I can’t believe it’s already time to leave.”

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Name: Sophie Kreis

Parents: Heidi and Walt Wintin, Mike Kreis

Siblings: Liam, Blazze, Rae Ann, Lawyer

Sports: Track and field, four years; volleyball, three years; basketball, two years; golf, one year

Athletic honors: 2017 MSC track champions

Organizations: National Honor Society, student council, Booster Club, Lettermen’s Club, 4-H (10-year member), Junior Leaders

Plans after high school: Attend Indiana University

Favorite food: Steak

Favorite TV show: “The Bachelor”

Favorite singer: Jason Aldean

Favorite movie: “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”

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