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FEATURED ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Kieffer Vittetow, South Putnam
Kieffer Vittetow is a senior at South Putnam who runs cross country and track.
Banner Graphic: How did you get interested in running?
Kieffer Vittetow: “I started running cross country in the fall of my sixth-grade year. I was really into football at that time also, and after my eighth-grade year I decided just to run. I started putting in the miles and I really liked it. Not just because of winning, but it was something I could do on my own and get better at.”
BG: How has your school career gone?
KV: “Cross country went well. I wanted to qualify for the state finals, but I was a little short of that. I was the 14th fastest runner from a non-advancing team. I ran my P.R., and I was pretty excited about that. I have some big goals for track this spring, and I’ve been putting in some extra miles for that. I want to set some records this year, and hopefully get to the state finals.”
BG: How do you cut time, other than just going out and running every day?
KV: “You have to have your head in it. You have to have a desire and ambition to push yourself. Any time I take a run I try to think about how I’m becoming a better runner and a better person.”
BG: What kinds of things do you like to do that are not school or sports-related?
KV: “I like to hang out with my friends. They’re good guys, and I like to have fun with them cheering on our other sports teams.”
BG: Do you listen to music with headphones while you run?
KV: “No, I tried it one time and the music kept flipping around and it was irritating. I have held my phone out at times if it’s winter and I have a pocket. My dad always tells me I wouldn’t be able to hear car horns. I’m a big classic rock fan. I like the Rolling Stones, Blind Melon and Led Zeppelin. I like a wide variety.”
BG: What is something you’ve never done before that you would like to do someday?
KV: “I want to climb a couple of 14,000-foot mountains. I like Colorado and sight-seeing.”
BG: What are your future plans?
KV: “I verbally committed last weekend to run for the University of Indianapolis, and I am going to major in nursing. I hope I can reach my goals.”
BG: How did you choose nursing?
KV: “My uncle is a graduate of Purdue who is an electrical engineer, but he just finished six years of nursing school at the University of Indianapolis and he was telling me how great the program is there. I want to help people, improve my well-being and meet new people.”
BG: Have you had a good experience at South Putnam?
KV: “Yes, I have to give credit to all my teachers. Mrs. Bye and Mrs. Hodge have both been really great, and coach Welti has been a great coach to have. He’s a one-of-a-kind guy. He’s helped me a lot along the way.”