Where Are They Now? Michael Clevenger

Michael Clevenger is one of the top runners to come out of the state of Illinois in the past few years. At Douglas MacArthur High School, Clevenger won two state titles in cross country (2011 and 2012) and three in track and field. He won the 3200 meters in 2011 and 2012 and the mile in 2012. Also, in his senior, he qualified for Footlocker Nationals in San Diego after placing third at Foot Locker Midwest. Now a freshman at Notre Dame, Clevenger fills us in on what he has been up to in the past year.

What was the biggest adjustment you had to make to compete at the college level? 
 
The switch from high school to college has brought many challenges – not only in the expectations and training for my sport but in life itself. I had a brief adjustment period in living four hours from home with a new roommate, and training with a new team under a new coach. I knew Notre Dame was the place for me, though, and the guys on the team made the transition easier. Coach Piane has also helped immensely, as he has eased us freshman into the higher-intensity, higher-volume training.

Is there anything you can tell high school athletes to better prepare them for the college experience?
 
It is really tough to describe all of the transitions from high school to college, but I think the most important thing anyone told me still stands true. You have to stay focused on your goals and learn how prioritize. This advice applies to everything academics, running, and social life. 
 
You had a lot great moments in your high school career. Which stand out the most?
 
Reflecting on my high school career is impossible to do without first thinking about the teammates and coaches who inspired me and helped push me to achieve. My high school coach, Angelo Rinchiuso, had a lasting impact on my running. During my sophomore year, he convinced me that I should start running year-round. The relationship we developed was awesome and he even came out to California twice with me my senior year. The races at Arcadia and Footlocker Nationals were two of my greatest memories and some of my first experiences racing on the national scene. It was cool that Coach Rinchiuso was willing to make both trips to watch me run. Along with these memories, running 8:54 was fantastic. I think every high school runner in the country dreams of someday breaking nine minutes, so breaking the barrier was a little surreal. Winning five state championships was incredible, too. Being able to have my name associated with some of the best runners in Illinois distance running history is truly a blessing.

What do you miss most about running in high school?
 
I really miss seeing everyone at the meets that I had built relationships with throughout the years. Just being at the state meets is an exhilarating experience; there is a buzz in the air at both Detweiller Park and the track at Eastern Illinois University. I will miss both racing and the athlete’s camaraderie at those venues.
 
What piece of coaching or advice that someone gave you has been the biggest help?
 
The best coaching advice I ever received was that you have to have fun with the sport. If you are a young runner and are not having fun as you work to improve, it is going to be hard to stay motivated when training gets tougher or adversity hits.

Personal Bests

  • 1,600 Meter Run4:13.34

  • 3200 Meter Run8:54.12

  • Three Mile Run14:18.16

  • 8000 Meter Run24:39.00

More Coverage