Sasha Narang ’18

If you’re ever looking for Ben Seiple ’18, chances are he’ll be running the perimeters of Staples, motivating himself and his team to reach their limits, as he co-leads the spring and winter track teams. Although he has big shoes to fill, with last years captain Zak Ahmad ’17 pursuing track in college, there’s no doubt Seiple will attempt to carry on the team’s reputation.
Being a part of the teams since his freshman year, Seiple was recently named captain for cross country, spring and winter track. Seiple initially signed up for the teams to use them as conditioning for the baseball season, but quickly changed his mindset. “After a few races my freshman year, I realized I actually had potential in the sport, so I kept doing it after that,” he said.
Since then, he’s ran impressive times for the one and two mile track events, his best being 4:21 and 9:13, as well as his cross country meets, which average about three miles. Cross country, spring and winter track coach Laddie Lawrence speaks highly of him, declaring him “the number one runner” on the team.
However, being a fast runner isn’t all it takes; a positive attitude goes a long way in bringing home the gold. “His mindset […] towards racing this season is going to be a major factor in our success,” Co Captain Will Landowne ’18 said.
Landowne admires Seiple’s “relaxed tone” throughout practice, which makes it more enjoyable. His attentive focus has helped him grow as a runner and achieve great race results.
Although his individual times stand out, Seiple’s team has worked hard to earn positive results as well. Determined to uphold Staples’ track and cross country reputation, he talks about the team as a whole.
“Our greatest achievement as a team was winning our state title my sophomore year,” Seiple said. “That one was really special because we weren’t supposed to win, and it was the first one in a long time that we’ve actually won.”
Seiple has impacted the team, being “a great role model for the younger kids” due to his “very diligent and hardworking” qualities, Lawrence said.
Of course, being a four year member of the teams means leaving them won’t be so easy. In regard to these seasons being his last, Seiple said his experience will be remembered by the support of his teammates and sense of community. “That was definitely one of the most important things on the team,” Seiple said.
As for the future of Seiple’s running career, he plans on pursuing track in college. “I will probably make a decision within the next month,” he said in regards to which school he will commit to.
Although cross country and track will be losing one of their key runners in the next school year, Seiple’s motivation and focus has greatly impacted the teams. Landowne said, “We wouldn’t be where we are as a team today without him.”