Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Rosemary Selke

Rosemary Selke is a junior runner on the Cardinal Mooney High girls cross-country team. Selke, who also runs track and field, finished ninth (20:58.40) at the Cougars' postseason district meet, held Nov. 4 at Lemon Bay High. 

When did you start in competitive running?

I started track when I was in fourth grade. During the (COVID-19) shutdown, I stopped running for two years, but then I picked it back up. I just started doing cross-country last year.

Do you have a preference between cross-country and track and field?

I like different things about cross-country and track. I like the team aspect of cross-country. We have pasta parties on Fridays and we do fun activities like scavenger hunts at Nathan Benderson Park. We also do non-running things, like bowling. But I like the events of track and field more. 

What was the adjustment to cross-country like?

I was terrible at first. Like, so bad. I was a middle-distance runner in track, so this was a different kind of running. I just kept working and kept running and got better. And now I think I'm going to be running some longer-distance events in track as well. 

What is the appeal of long-distance running to you?

I like seeing how much better I can get every time I run. I like pushing myself in that way. 

What is your goal for the regional round of the postseason?

I don't have a specific time in mind. I just want to set a personal record. My current best is 20:50.40. I just want to get lower than that. 

What is your favorite food?

It's probably chocolate milk.

What is your favorite school subject?

This year it is probably English. I like getting to be creative with my writing. 

What are your hobbies?

I like drawing and crafting, anything like that. I just do it for myself. 

Which superpower would you pick?

The power to heal. I don't like seeing people hurt, so I'd try to help anyone who gets injured. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Just keep working. Stick with things. You can do so much more than you think you can when you keep working at something. 

Finish this sentence: "Rosemary Selke is … "

Optimistic. I like to keep a good attitude.