Who is Cole Lindhorst, where did he come from, and what is he about?
Do you know who Cole Lindhorst is?
It's quite possible you may not, but it's not your fault. He caught a lot of people off guard last season because he seemed to come out of nowhere.
The kid did make it to state in cross country last year as the #2 guy on the Katy Tompkins squad that finished fourth overall in the boys 6A team race. Lindhorst, himself was 56th overall with a solid 15:59 performance.
That might not have been enough to open your eyes though.
However, during track season the kid took off! He started his season off with a 4:25.88 and a 9:25.00, both PRs. His break out was probably his 9:24.37 for 6th place overall against the top distance guys in the state at the Texas Relays.
From there he would go on to get faster and faster making a little bit of a name for himself in Region 3-6A. Lindhorst would have himself a heck of a weekend at regionals by PRing with 4:17.14 and 9:14.95 to qualify for the UIL 6A state track and field meet in both events.
He would eventually place 7th in the 1600m and 8th in the 3200m, but perhaps that was a sign of things to come for this upcoming cross country season. For that, we ranked Lindhorst #9 in the Boys Preseason XC 2nd Team.
So how did he come out of nowhere? Well, he did come from somewhere, just not a place that a lot of attention was placed. He started his freshman season at TAPPS' Katy Pope John XXIII. Katy has several schools that are well known (especially for their XC teams) and Pope John just isn't one of them. He would transfer to Tompkins in the second semester for track season where he had to run JV. So, last year's 4:17, 9:14, and 15:50 are far from the 10:11.11, 4:40.68, and 16:38 from his freshman year.
Lindhorst could become a house hold name by time November rolls around and some big things could be in store for him. Check out his Q&A with MileSplit and learn a little bit about one of the next big stars.
Cole Lindhorst races at the 2018 Region 3-6A track and field meet
TX MS: How Excited are you for the 2018 cross country season?
CL : I'm really excited for this upcoming season especially after our teams success In the distance events in track this past year.
TX MS: What have you learned in your first two high school seasons that will help you for this upcoming junior year?
CL: These past two years I've learned to be patient, and how to be consistent in training along with racing at a high level.
TX MS: Last year was your first varsity season in UIL after your transfer from TAPPS. What was the biggest adjustment to competing at a much larger school and in a more populated level?
CL: I think the biggest adjustment was gelling with a new team. Also the competition was a lot better, and the races were bigger.
TX MS: Tompkins won district for the first time as well as made it to the state meet as a team. What is the focus like of the team to do it again?
CL: The big thing for our team is to keep consistent mileage and to progress in our workouts.
TSMS: Track season was rally a break out season for you. What do you think when you reflect on what you were able to accomplish and the times you were able to run?
CL: Having coach yarrow guide me through each big race was a big help. I also think he put together a very thought out plan for my season.
TXMS: What have you been focusing on as the running traits you want to improve on to become an even better runner?
CL: This summer I've definitely focused on upping my mileage and increasing my threshold.
TXMS: We have you ranked #9 in our Preseason All-State rankings. What is your analysis on our analysis of your and your ranking?
CL: I think MileSplit put me in a good spot, definitely something to shoot for this upcoming cross season.
TXMS: Fill in the blank....If I and my team were able to _________ I would feel the season would be a success.
CL: If my team and I were able to place higher than we did last year at the state meet I would consider the season a success.
TXMS: Who is your favorite college or professional track and field athlete and why?
CL: My favorite professional runner is Craig Engles because he has a fire mustache.
Lindhorst races at the 2018 UIL 6A state track and field meet
-BONUS QUESTIONS-
TXMS: What is your favorite television show and why?
CL: The office because Steve Carroll is hilarious.
TXMS: Do you have any good/bad luck superstitons or rituals for meets/races?
CL: I have to have a crunchy Nature Valley bar for before my race and whenever I'm on the line before a race I always tap my calves.
TXMS: What top 5 artists or songs are on your race day or long run playlist?
CL:
-Humble And Kind by Tim McGraw
-Plug Walk by Rich the Kid
-Gods Plan by Drake
-Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye
-There Goes My Life by Kenny Chesney
TXMS: If you weren't a runner what extracurricular activity/sport would you be doing?
CL: If I wasn't running I'd probably be playing basketball.