A-K Valley Senior Spotlight: Riverview’s Micah Ivy

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, September 23, 2024 | 2:15 PM

Riverview senior cross country runner Micah Ivy knew he needed to make changes after a 2023 season that saw him compete at a high level but at a cost to his body.

“Last year, I was pushing myself a little too hard trying to keep up with my teammates,” said Ivy. “I wasn’t quite at their level yet.”

Said coach Palma Ostrowski: “He was often trying to do too much before his body was ready. That proved to be somewhat counterproductive, and he struggled with injuries.”

Ivy dealt with painful shin splints, but those didn’t stop him from medaling at three invitationals last year: Gateway, Uniontown and Tri-States.

He also finished the year strong by placing 13th and medaling in WPIALs, setting a personal best time of 17 minutes, 13 seconds and helping the Raiders boys team to a first-place finish in WPIALs and second place in the PIAA championships.

“Last year, I think I ran well,” Ivy said. “I’m glad we won WPIALs and I did my job at states, although I would have liked to have rather had a better race. I’m proud of how the year went.”

This year, Ivy, who is also a team captain, strictly has been following the training program Ostrowski has curated specifically for him, to promising results.

He placed ninth in this year’s Gateway Invitational and fifth in the Red, White & Blue Invitational, where he posted a personal best time of 17:09.

“Micah’s strong early season performances suggest that he will be in contention for another WPIAL medal and possibly a state medal,” Ostrowski said. “I think once we get to the faster courses later in the fall, he has a chance to run in the low 16s.”

Said Ivy: “I’m actually following the paces coach Ostrowski gives me at each practice. Following her training plan and not pushing myself too hard when I can’t do those times has helped me get faster.”

Ivy took some time for a Senior Spotlight Q&A:

Tell me about medaling in the three invitationals last year (Gateway, Uniontown and Tri-States)?

I really enjoyed those. The Gateway and Uniontown races were really tough because those are probably the hardest courses I’ve ever run. Tri-States, I didn’t have a great race, but I’m proud of medaling.

You and teammate Chris Barnes finish with similar times in the majority of races. Is there a little friendly in-house competition between the two of you?

We’re teammates, so we want to push each other to be the best that we can. There is that competition because we want to beat each other, but it’s all in good fun. We enjoy it when one of us beats the other.

What was your favorite course to run? Your least favorite?

McQuaid Invitational in Rochester, N.Y. That was a pretty flat course. My least favorite is Gateway because it’s the season opener and so tough both physically and mentally.

What are your goals for the season?

I’d like to get a top-five finish at WPIALs and get back on the podium at states and medal. I’d also like to go under 16 at some point this season.

What was it like to hear from coach Ostrowski that you’d been named captain?

That was great, a really nice moment. I’ve always looked forward to being a captain. I think our little trio of seniors knew we would be selected, but it was nice to hear her say it.

You ran the second-fastest time in school history in the 800M in track with a 1:58 last year. How does that feel, and are you shooting to beat it this year?

I was really surprised. I wanted to break two minutes for the longest time last year, and I got into a slump. There was one race I went to where I ran a two flat and knew I could get under a two. The next few races I pushed myself and took notes from my teammate who has the school record. Now I’m looking to break the record.

What are your post-high school plans?

I’d like to go to college. I’d like to continue running at college as well. I’ve gotten interest from Slippery Rock and Allegheny.

What do you plan on studying?

Any thing in finance or physical therapy.

What’s a fun fact people may not know about you?

I really like Crumbl Cookies. My favorite is the one is the waffle cookie. Never really had anything like it before.

What’s one piece of advice you’d want to leave your teammates?

Live in the moment. Don’t think about the future because if you do, time starts to fly by. Once you’re a senior, then you wish you could go back.

Tags: Riverview