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Work Ethic Propels Fessel

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By CLIFF GILL

Tribune correspondent

Published: October 19, 2008

LAND O' LAKES - More than 100 cross country runners from 16 high schools participated in the Ron Robison Invitational on Oct. 3.

The event, hosted by Gulf High, covered 3.1 miles and was run on terrain that included concrete, sand, mud and hills.

As expected, the runners stretched and drank fluids before the race, and the mental preparation was also evident as runners conferred with coaches or stood in silence visualizing the race.

Less than a mile into the race, one runner sprinted to the front of the pack. It is typical for a runner, sometimes called a rabbit, to take the early lead, but they rarely win the race because of the amount of energy that is expended.

"When you're the rabbit, you absorb the wind," said Sunlake freshman Kenny Fessel. "But if you're behind the rabbit, you're doing less work. The objective is to stay directly behind either the rabbit or behind the leader of the pack for most of the race."

Following his strategy, Fessel ran near the head of the pack for the first three miles. He sprinted the final 100 yards or so in less than 15 seconds to win the race in 16 minutes, 59 seconds. The Robison Invitational was Fessel's fifth competitive high school competition, and for the fifth time he set a school record.

Sunlake track coach Joel Richards praises Fessel's mental preparation and his physical skills.

"He is a true student of running and is always reading and researching how to improve," Richards said. "This young man will watch videos of Olympic distance runners in order to dissect their form and race strategy. Off the track, he is your typical ninth-grader, but when it is time to run, he hits a level of focus that is rarely seen, even among upperclassmen. He is every coach's dream - someone who is self-motivated, hungry for success and determined to be the best.

"In distance running, so much of success hinges on mental toughness. This young man excels in that area. He goes into every race prepared for success and is getting stronger every week. As a freshman, Kenny has been the quiet leader of the Sunlake High School cross country team."
Fessel developed his running skills by playing soccer from age 4. As he got older, he joined his parents running in minimarathons and 5k races. By eighth grade, he was named student-athlete of the year at Charles S. Rushe Middle School. His coach, Mike Hill, credits Fessel's work habits and focus for his success.

"Kenny is a hard worker," Hill said. "He has the work ethic and leadership skills unmatched by most. I have worked with him since he was in the sixth grade. He always put 100 percent into the workouts that I gave him. He spends countless time training on his own. He is very dedicated to becoming the best runner he can be. His attitude is outstanding, and he is truly focused."

At Sunlake, Fessel and his teammates train every day after school. They run 400-meter sprints Mondays, have 7-mile runs through the neighborhood Tuesdays, work out on the school track Wednesdays and have a light workout Thursdays. The night before a race, the runners get together for a high-carbohydrate meal and discuss strategy.

"Our team goal is to qualify for regional, which has never been accomplished at Sunlake," Fessel said. "My personal goal is to run each mile under 5:30, then give it everything I've got in the final 100 yards."

In addition to running track for his school, Fessel plays competitive soccer Monday and Wednesday nights for the Wesley Chapel Flames. On weekends, he runs 7-10 miles per day and does 100-plus situps every day of the week. He also competes in triathlons, and he had the best time in his age group (11-12) in 2006.
Fessel also gives a winning effort in the classroom. For the second consecutive year, he is a straight-A student. This year, he is taking honors classes in integrated science and English.

"Kenny's determination to be an outstanding student is what makes him stand out in class," said engineering technology teacher William Ahlgrim. "He is always looking for opportunities to be challenged. He is a typical student in ways that allow him to enjoy those around him, but when faced with any type of challenge, Kenny is determined to overcome most obstacles and follow directions to the T."

"I could definitely see him as somebody who is a leader rather than a follower when there is an opportunity," German teacher Elisabeth D'Anunzio said.

"Kenny applies himself very well to his studies and goes out of his way to practice using the language in role-plays," D'Anunzio said. "He is earning a grade A in my class."

During the soccer season, Fessel also volunteers his time. Before games, he arrives early to set up the nets, and he is a referee for two communities.

Fessel's career goal is to become an aerospace engineer.

"Kenny is a great student to have in class," algebra teacher JoAnn Reynolds added. "He is a hard worker, respectful and diligent in his work ethic. If I had a whole class full of Kennys, it would be an amazing class to teach."

Teachers, coaches: If you would like to nominate an outstanding student-athlete to be featured in an upcoming In The Community article, contact Cliff Gill at reportercliffgill@yahoo.com or (727) 860-4903.

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