One one One Interview: XC runner Caden Bell

By Kenny Varner Jr.
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Updated: August 3, 2024

Editor’s Note – Recently we caught up with former Mifflin County Cross Country runner and current member of the Lebanon Valley College squad. We talked to him about his journey up through the ranks and his future in his college running career.

HSS: How did it feel when you found out you would be running for Lebanon Valley?

CB : Lebanon Valley was actually the first school I visited, back in the summer of 2023. I felt an immediate connection to the campus, and the head distance coach at LVC, James O’Brien. I was able to do an overnight visit last fall and really clicked right away with the runners. Overall, I really enjoyed everything about LVC, so when I finally made the decision to go there, I was full of excitement and relief that I had finally figured out where I wanted to go to school.

HSS: What will you be majoring in in college?

CB: I will be majoring in Physical Therapy.

HSS: When did you start running?

CB: I picked up the sport of running when I was 12 years old. I had joined the Juniata Valley Striders running club, and immediately fell in love with distance running.

HSS: Who got you started?

CB: Coach Ron Sprecher

HSS: What your favorite moment in your high school career?

CB: My favorite moment of my high school career was when the 4×800 meter relay that I was a part of qualified for the PIAA State Championship at our district track meet.

HSS: Heading into the upcoming season, what are your goals?

CB: Heading into my first college season, one of my main goals is to be able to participate in my conference cross country championship. This means I will need to be in the top 12, of the 28 member roster, at that point in the season.

HSS: Early on how have your practices been?

CB: So far, this summer training block has been great. I am building my mileage, and have been able to train with many great people including Alex Monroe, Chayce Macknair, and the current MC high school team.

HSS: How much faster is the speed of the pace than in high school ?

CB: It’s quite considerable so far, but college training is supposed to be more intense, as coaches want you to progress. I am focused on getting faster and stronger.

HSS: Was there anyone you looked up to coming up through the Husky Cross Country program?

CB: There are a lot of people that I look up to, who mentored me through my years involved in the cross country program. Some of the most notable ones are Greg Loht, Chayce Macknair, and more recently, Alex Monroe. All of these men, and many others, have been an important part of the success I have found through my years as a Husky Distance Runner.

HSS: What advice would you give for a younger runner just starting their cross country career?

CB: One piece of advice that I would share with younger runners just starting their cross country career, would be to go all in. Work hard, be consistent and be willing to embrace the ‘not fun’ moments.