Cole Lindhorst Gears Up For New Balance Indoor Nationals

Mar 11, 2020

Everything changed for Cole Lindhorst the moment he crossed the finish line in first. Sure, he had crossed several finish lines first throughout his high school career. However, last May, the finish line at Mike A. Myers stadium was different than all of the rest.

Crossing that specific finish line first made Lindhorst the UIL 6A 1600m state champion and the changes soon began.

One of those changes was the whirlwind recruiting frenzy he experienced. His stock in the eyes of college coaches around the nation had spiked to a high after winning state. When the Fall came around, Lindhorst traveled from university to university searching for his fit and the next step for his student athlete career. He eventually chose the school that for so long had his interest.

Another change, was the level of competition he sought out. The Air Force Academy Falcon signee has already had several college races this year. He finished fifth in the mile at the Arkansas Invitational, finishing in 4:13.98 and first in the 800m at the Air Force Collegiate Open in 1:53.72.

This weekend, he will compete against the top milers in the country at the New Balance Nationals Indoor Championships in New York City. Competing against the collegians have sharpened the Katy Tompkins senior and have prepared him for this weekend. "The competition is on another level; college meets are definitely more intense," Lindhorst said.

Running against the best high school runners could be a lot like running against the collegians. The pace will be fast and the physicality could be an issue, but Lindhorst will be ready. "It (running against the collegians) was a lot more physical and college guys definitely close races faster than in high school. College guys don't care if your a fast high school runner they still will try to beat you into the ground," according to Lindhorst.

In New York, the Texas state champ will rely on this season's indoor experience. "I think racing college guys gives me more experience with racing tactics and helps me to close races faster in the future." Tactics and a fast finish will be important and can be the determining factor in going from a state champion to a national champion.

No matter what happens this weekend, afterwards, Lindhorst will return home and complete his senior year and attempt to meet his goals. His Katy Tompkins squad has a chance to get a trophy and has a legit possibility at a team state title. "My number one goal is to help my team win."

In order for that to happen, Lindhorst will have to achieve as much success at state as he possibly can. Last year, he found the individual success only a few could have hoped for; he was third in the 3200m (9:01.54) to go along with his aforementioned 1600m win (4:07.41).

"I want to defend my state 1600m title and try to run faster than I did last year; overall I want to have a fun year with lots of improvement."