Reifenrath is already running through the record books at USD
VERMILION, S.D. — The college life for University of South Dakota freshman Sara Reifenrath has gone pretty darn swell.
That’s because the Cedar Catholic track alum has taken off since graduating last spring and leaving an empty season behind following COVID-19’s havoc, and the collegiate ranks have been the benefactor.
Especially the Coyotes which have seen Reifenrath take off to recordbreaking lengths.
She broke the school’s indoor record for the 200 (24.7) and the 400-meter runs (54.3). Reifenrath broke the 200 mark at North Dakota State and the 400-meter record at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas in February.
“That’s pretty cool,” Reifenrath said. “I had hoped that at some point I would get the records, but I didn’t think I would get them this soon. Obviously, I am happy with that.
“I didn’t know how long the transition from high school to college would be. I know it can be scary so I thought it would take a little bit since I would be running against people better than what I ran against in high school, but I think I adjusted to that. Now, I just want to keep getting better.”
She also runs the 4x400-meter relay for the Coyotes and that team is in top 10 of the all-time South Dakota marks and are ranked No. 1 in the Summit League.
A lot of her positive transition to the higher level has been attributed to the support she has around her.
“Definitely my teammates and my coaches are super helpful, and they have made the transition really easy,” Reifenrath said. “They are pushing me in practice, and they are really proud of me. I am benefitting from it.”
As a runner, Reifenrath says she has improved her running style.
“I didn’t realize I didn’t know anything about running,” Reifenrath said. “I thought I knew somewhat how to run, and I came here, and they were like, ‘your form isn’t great,’ and they had to fix it. Obviously, it is working.
“In high school, I was pretty competitive with natural speed and since I ran cross country, I had endurance and some people don’t have that. I am working more on my speed now. With endurance it’s a good combo.”
She also says that her time in school has been good even though the COVID-19 days make the study routine a bit different.
“It’s been good, but it’s been weird with the online classes, but some are in person which is nice,” Reifenrath said. “You do what you can and you make it work. It’s a little weird since your dorm room isn’t that big so sometimes it can be boring with no change of scenery.
“You don’t get to interact with people as much because you don’t have all these kinds of activities going on. But I am still very happy here.”
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