Graves gets a push for a PR

Track and field meets are competitive with athletes trying to surpass their opponents for podium finishes and school records, but what Noah Graves learned about himself last week was worth more than any medal or podium picture.

The junior set a personal-record time of 7:57.73 in the mile event at the Gopher Conference Championships – crushing his previous record of 12 minutes that he set as a freshman by over a third of his former time.

“I was honestly kind of amazed because it was only a couple days before that I had started running a lot at practice. I felt I hadn’t maybe been pushing myself hard enough until this past week… That moment crossing the finish line and hearing the news, it was probably the best moment of my career so far,” said Graves.

According to Blooming Prairie Assistant Coach Madelin Bruessel, the call to place Graves in the mile came down to a spur-of-the-moment decision.

“I kind of just wanted him to be in something different because he races in the 800-meter every time. There was an open spot in the 800, but I decided that I wanted him to run the mile to see how it would go. With the 800, he’s been consistent with his times, so I wanted him to switch it up to see how he would do,” said Bruessel.

As the starting gun fired, Graves began his race.

The junior admitted that he was “dreading” running the mile initially, but that he felt good while he was on the track.

Graves uses an inhaler during meets as he battles asthma while competing.

When he made the final turn to head toward the last 100-meters, Graves was greeted by a loud cheer from the stands.

Then, he began to hear familiar voices.

His coaches had run toward him along the final stretch to let him know that he was ahead of the nine-minute mark – a major goal that he had set.

Using everything that he had left, Graves emptied the tank and went full speed for the final straightaway.

The junior crossed the line and immediately went to his hands and knees – he may have been exhausted, but he knew his goal had been achieved.

That’s when he got some unexpected news.

“They told me it was 7:57 and it caught me off guard. I’m so glad my coaches pushed me. The way I see things, as an athlete, I can see 100% of the things I can do. But my coaches can see that extra 10%, so if I know I can reach one thing, I know there’s still more even after that,” said Graves.

According to Bruessel, Graves is an athlete who has consistently put in the work and “loves to run,” making the moment all the more exciting and special for the team.

When asked about the trajectory of his career from starting his mile journey as a freshman, Graves said he didn’t necessarily see a day like Saturday in his future.

“I think ninth-grade me would wonder if I actually stuck with track or if I dropped out of it,” said Graves introspectively.

He has a very different outlook now.

“I’m hoping to continue improving my 800 time and my goal is to get my mile time under 7:30,” he said.