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Van Sicklen stronger than ever

The Crystal River star is in top shape after working harder to overcome an Achilles injury.

By LARRY BUGG
Published August 24, 2005

CRYSTAL RIVER - Sometimes, even an injury can be a blessing in disguise.

For Holly Van Sicklen, an Achilles tendon injury may have a silver lining.

The Crystal River senior injured herself last spring while walking in heels in Washington during a school trip. Van Sicklen had to miss part of the track season, but she has cross-trained with bicycling, swimming and lifting weights.

The result may be that Van Sicklen approaches her senior year in the best shape of her life. She appears to be the most outstanding runner in the county, male or female, and this is the perfect time for this determined athlete.

"She is dedicated," Pirates coach Lisa Carter said. "She trains hard."

"I think I am in much better shape," Van Sicklen said. "I have been working real hard. Hopefully, it will pay off."

The coach said Van Sicklen's best performance last year was 20 minutes, 3 seconds, in the Class 2A state meet. She finished 27th and was 128th in the FlRunners.com rankings.

"We are hoping to get her into the 19s this year," Carter said.

The injury may have given Van Sicklen a little time to rest and reflect before she starts her senior year. The injury doesn't keep her from competing.

"She doesn't give up," Carter said. "She loves to run. She loves the competition. That's what makes her a better runner. She works at getting better." And she's better physically, having to work to overcome the injury.

"She would like to get a college cross-country or track scholarship," Carter said of the student with a 4.5 GPA.

Van Sicklen wants to take 30 seconds off her time and become a Florida Gator.She plans to major in nuclear engineering.

"I have a passion for my school work," Van Sicklen said. "I love to run. It is something to focus on and strive for.

The captain of last year's squad doesn't feel pressured by area runners viewing her as the girl to beat.

"As far as pressure, it is my own personal pressure," Van Sicklen said. "I have my own goals. I want to get the 19:30. It would be great to be in the top 20 at state."

She captured the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference title two out of three years and was selected the Citrus Road Runners Female Runner of the Year in 2005.

"Running is definitely an outlet for me," she said. "School can get stressful. I have time to think. That is my own time. It's been a nice outlet for stress."

A life-long resident of Florida, Van Sicklen can take the heat but isn't thrilled about running in 100 degrees.

"The heat is something you get used to," she said. "It's always hard. We started up in the middle of the day. It's really hot. It's pretty brutal."

Van Sicklen thinks her Crystal River team may surprise some people.

"I am sure we will do fine," Van Sicklen said. "The group of girls have the love for running."

Van Sicklen is grateful for her coach's help.

"Miss Carter has been great. She has been so supportive. She has worked so hard with me. We are extremely close. It is going to be hard to leave. I will make it my best year."

Have a question for one of our prep writers? Want to comment on our writers' blog on the upcoming season? Visit www.sptimes.com/highschoolsports/ for this and more. Look for the football special sections coming Friday.

[Last modified August 24, 2005, 01:15:20]