It’s easy to point to Loyola cross country senior Will Hague’s experience as his biggest asset for leading the Ramblers distance team this fall.
Seems like that’s what most seniors bring whether it’s in cross country or any sports.
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As a sophomore, Hague was the youngest member of a Loyola team that was ranked number-one nationally through most of the season.
That team went on to win second in State and fourth in the national meet. But the ups and downs of that season, combined with the unrelenting pressure of their national ranking, has helped prepped Hague for the individual pressure he’ll feel as the Ramblers’ number-one runner and leader.
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“It was a really exciting first experience on the varsity and really taught me a lot with the older seniors,” Hague said. “There were four of them, really strong, really good athletes.
"Being a leader, there is some pressure on you and you definitely have much more responsibility and part of it is I am a senior and most experienced. That definitely takes that pressure." he said.
But it’s a pressure Hague puts on himself.
After what he deemed a disappointing performance at the state cross country meet as a junior, Hague rebounded and had a stellar track season and what he called his best summer-of-training to date.
Revered by his coaches for his work ethic, Hague is blessed with barn-burning speed so he understands the need for a solid mileage base.
Instead of outkicking opponents as they approach the shoot, Hague tries to make races all about guts. While many runners coast through the middle part of the race in order to save up for their kick, Hague looks to maintain a strong pace—hoping to tire the kickers.
Hague plans to apply that strategy at this season’s state meet, when he hopes to contend for the individual title. It’s up for grabs as some 10 runners have a shot at winning the individual crown.
“He’s a powerful runner from the beginning of the race,” Loyola head cross country coach Dan Seeberg said. “No doubt about it, he knows that’s his way. He’s a powerhouse. He’s a big, strong runner is what I think of him as. When you see him out there, he’s a force.”
But his undeniable talent and commitment to the sport hasn’t done anything to alleviate his nervousness.
It’s the most common emotion among any runner, no matter how elite. And Hague says, if you don’t have it, then you’re not really a runner.
“If you’re not nervous at the starting line, there’s something wrong because there’s always something worth going after,” he said.
Even while smaller non-invitation and duel meets may not be as many accolades, winning is enough for Hague.
Hague, who is looking to run longer distances on the Division I level and has talked with several east coast schools, maintains that mentality to keep somewhat a routine.
That way there’s less chance of a letdown.
“I like to keep it simple and not think too much about it or have too many distractions,” Hague said. “I get in my own element and push everything out of the way. Definitely in cross country you’ve got to get everyone fired up and it’s less about yourself. Definitely when you’re a leader and the top guy on the team you need to make sure everyone’s minds are in the right place.”
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