NEWMAN'S SAM HABER CROSSES THE LINE AT WALLACE MARTIN
The definition of insanity is doing the same things and expecting a different result. Newman's Sam Haber knew he wanted a different outcome for his senior year and he made the changes back in May--after the outdoor track and field season-- to make sure it happened.
"For starters, I knew I needed to lose some weight," Haber said. "I went from 148 pounds to 131. That was huge."
Once he shed the extra pounds, Haber dedicated himself to learning how to attack summer training. Specifically, the threshold runs.
"I did that by going online and watching videos on threshold training," Haber said.
But that wasn't all.
Haber attended a summer camp in Arkansas with members of the Highland Baptist Christian School and Westminster Christian. During the camp, the coach from Westminster gave a lecture on using heart rate to dictate training thresholds.
"That's when I became extremely passionate about the sport," Haber said.
"It's funny. For a little over 15 minutes, we go out on the course and we are fierce competitors. But, after the race, we congratulate and encourage each other. I think that is one of the coolest things about the high school running community in Louisiana."
Sam Haber, Newman
The changes--and hard work--have paid off for Haber. He has been under 16:00 in every three-miles race he has competed in this season. Haber opened with a win at the UNO Opener. A couple of weeks later he traveled to North Louisiana and won the Wallace Martin Invitational with a time of 15:33. At the time, it was the fastest time in Louisiana.
"That was really cool," Haber said. "I know Brother Martin and Jesuit had not run a three-mile race at that time, but it was still cool to have that moment."
But Wallace Martin's Cedar Creek Invitational hasn't been the only highlight.
Haber ran a season best 15:16 and finished No. 9 at the Catholic Invitational in what is believed to be the fastest cross country race-not only at Highland Road Park-but in Louisiana history.
"It was neat to be there and be a part of that," Haber said.
Now, Haber turns his attention to finishing his final high school cross country strong.
"There is both the individual and team aspect of finishing the season the way we want," Haber said. "As a team, we have to continue to push each other every day in practice and make sure that we are ready for every possible scenario and situation."
"For me personally, it's going to be fun competing against some of the best guys in the state, who I have come to know and respect," Haber said. "It's funny. For a little over 15 minutes, we go out on the course and we are fierce competitors. But, after the race, we congratulate and encourage each other. I think that is one of the coolest things about the high school running community in Louisiana."
As much as Haber has enjoyed competing in high school, he is excited about his next chapter which will include competing for Mississippi College in Clinton, MS.
"I visited Mississippi College and really fell in love with school, the team, and coaches," Haber said. "There was a feeling like I belonged there and I'm really excited about what the future holds."
