Wake Forest Athletics
Heppenstall Breaks Three Records In One Race
3/7/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Track and Field
By Lara-Ann Schwede
Imagine yourself breaking three records in one race: the ACC Championships record, the Canadian Junior indoor record and the school record. Wake Forest freshman Robert Heppenstall achieved just that when he won the 800 meters at the ACC Championships.
"I did not expect that at all. Crossing the finish line, I was more shocked than happy," Heppenstall said.
Placing in the top three to five was his goal, going into the race after already having run in the distance medley relay and in the 800m preliminary race in the days before. "I was very nervous before the prelim because I knew I should make the final and I needed to win my race," said the native of Hamilton, Ontario.
But it all went well and Heppenstall, as well as his teammate, Simon Holden, both qualified for the next round.
Going into the final knowing his competitors and their racing styles, Heppenstall changed his racing tactic. Instead of leading the race from the beginning to the end, he decided to stay in the back and then kick.
"I expected some guys to go out really fast, so I knew I'd just have to sit. Going into the last 250 meters of the race, I'd never felt so good before—not tired and still full of energy, I could pass one after the other."
Heppenstall crossed the finish line in front of everyone else, clocking in at an incredible 1:47.35.
The time gave Heppenstall a ranking of No. 11 in the country and qualified him for the NCAAs in Birmingham, Ala. on March 11.
But such a great performance does not just happen—it requires hard work in the preseason. According to Heppenstall, he added more mileage when he came to Wake, but didn't change too much from his training routine at home. "Coach (John) Millar adjusted really well because he knew what I was used to, which was great."
Having teammates to run with and push each other in every workout will also be a great contributor to success in the future. Heppenstall was used to running by himself at home and believes that having teammates has aided in his impressive freshman season. "I couldn't have asked for a better team and I am literally spending 95 percent of my time with them, so I am super thankful."
Because Canada does not give scholarships to athletes and is more club-oriented, he decided to come to the U.S. in order to continue his running career. Wake Forest seemed like the perfect choice for him as the academics are very strong, the weather is good to train in and the team was very welcoming.
Now, when most Wake Forest students are going to fancy destinations for Spring Break, Heppenstall will stay on campus to train before making his way to Nationals.
Heppenstall is trying to keep his expectations light for the national meet and will try to enjoy the moment. "I don't have any expectations. I will just do what I can and try to take full advantage of this opportunity. If I run a new personal record, it's great but if I don't, it's good as well."
Maybe we will see another record. Who knows?
Players Mentioned
