Marissa Long (8) - Photo by Lance McDaniel
This is the final installment in a series of previews on West Virginia High School boys’ and girls’ cross country for the 2013 season.
Athlete: Marissa Long
Year: Senior
School: Philip Barbour High School (Class of 2014)
Location: Philippi, WV
Class: AA Girls
Pre-Season Rank: West Virginia #23; Class AA/A Girls #3
Coach: Missy Kaiser
Personal Bests:
800 Meter Run - 2:32.19
1,600 Meter Run - 5:42.59
3,200 Meter Run - 12:04.96
5,000 Meter Run - 19:55.48
Progression by Season:
800 Meter Run
2013 Outdoor - 2:32.19
2011 Outdoor - 2:40.46
1,600 Meter Run
2013 Outdoor - 5:42.59
2012 Outdoor - 5:42.89
3,200 Meter Run
2012 Outdoor - 12:04.96
5,000 Meter Run
2012 CC - 19:55.48
2011 CC - 21:02.20
2010 CC - 22:08.22
Athletic Honors:
2012 WV Cross Country All-State First Team – 6th Place (19:55)
Marissa Long, a senior at Philip Barbour High School, is the pre-season WV#23 and #3 Class AA/A Girl ranked runner. She looks to build upon her junior seasons in cross country and track.
Cross Country: In October, Marissa ran a PR of 19:55.48 at the West Virginia State XC Championships, placing sixth.
Outdoor Track: In May, Marissa ran a PR of 2:32.19 for eighth in the 800 and a PR of 5:42.59 in the 1,600 for 11th at the West Virginia State Track & Field Championships.
Marissa Long Career Graph for 5,000 Meters
About:
When did you start running track or cross country?
I first became interested in running when I participated in Girls on the Run in fourth grade. The coach of GOTR was a marathon runner, and she was very inspirational to me giving me a start to my running career. I then joined cross country in sixth grade at Belington Middle School and ran cross country all three years. Then in high school, I joined track and continued running cross country for Philip Barbour High School.
What sports did you participate in when you were younger?
I played basketball for the Jerry West league and continued for two years in middle school.
Do you have one race or personal record time you are most proud of?
My dream had always been to make it in the top 10 and stand on the podium at the state cross country meet, and my dream became a reality last year.
What are your goals for you and your team this XC season?
For this XC season, our team goal for the girls is to get our fourth state title and make school history. My personal goal is to stay healthy and once again be on the All-State podium at the state meet.
After the regular XC season is over, will you take part in any of the national races like Foot Locker Championships or the Nike XC race?
I would like to participate in as many national, state or local races as possible after the regular XC season. Running will always be my passion.
Do you plan on running in college?
I plan on attending college, and if the school I choose offers cross country, I would be more than honored.
Who is the most influential person in your running career?
My coaches, family and friends are the most influential people in my running career. My coaches, Missy Kaiser and Jim Seaton, have helped me so much through the years I have been running in high school. Their vigorous training, tips and words of advice have brought me up to the great runner I am today. My friends and family have also been a big part of my running. They are always there to support, cheer me on, and encourage to go for great; I am more than blessed to have them in my life.
Long’s 2013 Cross Country Schedule:
Aug 24th - Knight Night XC Relays @ Kingwood, WV
Aug 31st - Geico Classic Invitational @ Ona, WV
Sept 7th - Ben Queen Photography-Indian Run Invitational @ Bridgeport, WV
Sept 14th - EztoUse.com Colt Stampede @ Philipi, WV
Sept 17th - Battle Run Invite @ Summersville Lake, WV
Sept 28th - Maymont XC Festival @ Richmond, Virginia
Oct 1st - Big 10 Preview @ Preston, WV
Oct 19th - Big 10 Championships @ Preston, WV
Oct 24th - AA-A Region II Championship @ Grafton, WV
Nov 2nd – West Virginia HS State Cross Country Championships @ Ona, WV
A Final Thought:
Marissa Long looks to make All-State First Team for the second year in a row. Last year she placed sixth at the West Virginia High School AA/A Girls Cross Country State Championship and fulfilled her lifelong dream of standing on the podium. This year even looks more promising for this Philip Barbour senior for she is the pre-season #3 Class AA/A runner. Long will be battling Kelsey Chambers of Oak Glen (Class AA/A #1) and teammate Allison Villers (Class AA/A #2) for the individual title. Marissa keeps a quote close to her heart that says, “To be number one. You have to train like your number two.”
Can Marissa Long even dream bigger and win her first ever individual AA/A girls cross country championship? Will Long’s team get their fourth state title and make school history?