By CHARLIE HUST
A training regiment only matched by college runners, vaulted WCHS senior Iszack Whitsell from an average runner to the cross country medal podium last fall and has earned him a scholarship to Morehead State University.
The talented Whitsell, who ranks seventh academically in his class, signed a scholarship pact in front of family and friends last Tuesday to continue his athletic and academic careers at the Division I, Ohio Valley Conference school.
“This is a dream come true, to be able to continue my running at a Division I school and also pursue my goal of a degree in Physics,” Whitsell stated. “If I can do this, then anyone can with hard work, dedication and determination. There are many guys in this room right now that can also have this (signing) day as well.”
Whitsell enjoyed an historical senior season in cross country, being named Area 1 ‘Runner of the Year’ after placing second in the 2013 KHSAA Class AA State Championship. He was also named to the Class AA All-Area Team and was selected to the Kentucky Track and Cross Country Coaches Class AA ‘All State’ team.
According to Trojan coach and Iszack’s very proud dad Todd Whitsell, his love for the sport of running began as a freshman, Todd’s first year as cross country coach.
“He began running that fall and he looked like a fish-out-of-water out there. His form was terrible and I really didn’t know how this was going to turn out or if he would even stick with it,” Coach Whitsell explained.
But the desire to train and hunger for greatness continued and Whitsell realized after his sophomore season that something really special was developing inside of Iszack.
“He told me at the medal ceremony at the state meet that year, watching teammate Jon Ashby receiving his medal, that he would be on the podium in the next two years. He’s worked very hard for this, all on his own and his dedication along with his success in the classroom have allowed him this opportunity,” Coach Whitsell stated. “His signing, along with Jon (Ashby) last year seems to be opening a new door each year for our runners. These (Division 1) signings are bringing publicity to our program and opens the eyes of our kids that they also can earn a scholarship and college degree while doing something they love to do.”
Iszack placed 60th in the state meet in his sophomore season and began a work regiment that is the envy of many college runners.
“He dedicated himself to running and right now he’s surpassed over 365 consecutive days of running and training at least three miles each day. He’s even had some college runners reach out to him and ask what he’s done to take such great leaps over the past two seasons. That’s just a tribute to his hard work,” Coach Whitsell stated. “I’m very, very proud of him and you know ... you’re proud of your kids in whatever they do. But when you watch and see their dedication and drive for their dreams and then excel, it’s very humbling to see how far he’s come. I just can’t say enough about him.”
Iszack, who finished sixth in the 1600 meter and seventh in the 3200 meter in last year’s Class AA State Track Meet, says he still has some unfinished business this spring of capturing a state title in one or both events and also hopes to join forces with his teammates for additional state titles in relay events.
“I was the only runner to place in both races and yes my goal is to win individual and team state titles,” he said with a grin. “Right now I’m healthy and feel very good and very strong so I truly feel I can contend for a state title. And I want to help my teammates make it to state and then when we get there give everybody a run for their money in the relays.”
He will be joining an up-and-coming Eagles’ program at Morehead under the direction of former Olympic assistant coach Brent Erickson. The Eagles finished 14th out of 52 teams in the 2013 NCAA Southeast Regional, improving from a 28th-place finish in 2012.
“Morehead has a tremendous program right now and all of the guys are just like me ... runners from the United States who have worked extremely hard and are really hungry to improve and get better each and every day. There’s no superstars on the team, just student athletes who go to class, work hard and are dedicated to the school and to each other. They were great to me when I went up there for my visit and it’s the kind of atmosphere I want to be around,” Whitsell stated. “To get the opportunity to be a part of such an exciting program and have the chance to run under a former Olympic coach is just unbelievable. He’s taken kids that were not nationally ranked out of high school and built a tremendous program, a program that is definitely rising and is flourishing under Coach Erickson. I feel like it’s a great fit for me.”
Whitsell says he lives by the motto of “over time, hard work will beat talent” and he plans on carry that creed with him to Morehead.
“Setting your goals, having a positive attitude and being the best you can be as an individual are the keys to success in my opinion. Anybody can do it, you don’t have to rely on anyone. If I can do it, anyone can do it and that’s what we’ve tried to teach here at Webster County. If we go out and work harder, then we can beat anybody. It’s a mental thing,” he stated.
And Iszack was well aware that a room full of young eyes were watching as he put his name on the dotted line for the scholarship.
“This room is full of good young runners that have helped turn this program around. It’s not about me or Todd but about my teammates setting high goals, high expectations and working hard. I truly believe we can have many more Webster County runners signing Division 1 scholarships in the coming years,” Whitsell continued.