Press-Citizen Prep Profile

Claypool pushes team to do its best

Jon Klinkowitz Link to Article
Iowa City Press-Citizen

Cora Claypool has had her share of success in track and cross country at Williamsburg. But the senior never thought she had what it took to go to the next level.

Claypool qualified for last year's state track meet in the 3,000 meters and distance medley relay, ran at the Drake Relays as a sophomore and ran at the state cross country meet all four years of high school. Until recently, she was planning on going to college at Iowa and giving up her running career. But that changed a few months ago.

"I was watching the Iowa indoor track meet this winter and knew some girls I had run against at different schools," she said. "I just never thought that I could do it, that I was good enough."

A call from Truman State University shortly after sealed the deal, and her college plans changed in a hurry.

"I'll run track and cross country there," Claypool said. "I'm going in as an undecided major, just to get my general studies done, and I'll take a bunch of different classes."

She should have many options in college. In high school, she plays French horn in the band, sings in choir, serves on the student council and is a member of the National Honor Society with a 3.9 grade-point average.

"I might do some vocal music in college," she said.

Cora Claypool is this week's Prep Profile:

If I could visit any place in the world, it would be: The Czech Republic. I have ancestors from there.

What annoys me: People who are afraid of chasing their dreams.

When I am not playing sports I am: With my friends, listening to music or watching movies.

My biggest asset to the team is: I try to give others confidence that they can run with the big dogs. I try to encourage the younger kids.

My most prized possession is: My car.

My superstitions are: I make sure I eat my oatmeal in the morning.

Best sports experience: Going to the Drake Relays my sophomore year in the 4x800.

Three words that describe me: Ambitious, kind-hearted and hard-working.

Dream profession: Something helping other people.

Dream car: Black Mercedes.

Craziest ambition: Skydiving.

People say I look like: My mother.

Person I most admire is: Steve Prefontaine.

My team/personal goals for the season are: For the team, we're hoping to get a lot of events to state. Individually, I'd like to make it to state in three events at least and to medal.

If I had $1 million I would: Save it.

I can't imagine going a week without: My phone.

My favorite --

Pro or college player: Professional runner Kara Goucher.

Pro or college team: Iowa Hawkeyes.

Class: Math.

Food: Fruit.

Cereal: Cheerios.

Color: Yellow.

Movie: "Forrest Gump."

TV show: "Glee."

Music: Christina Aguilera.

Book: "Once a Runner: A Novel," by John L. Parker Jr.

One final random thought (pearls of wisdom/words to live by): Life is short; make the most of it.