Anticipation soars through the air at the University of Michigan as high school runners from all over America take their marks on the indoor track and wait for the sound of the starting gun. Junior Griffin Hummel takes a deep breath to calm his nerves as he steps on the line, not knowing he’s about to run the best race of his life.
The University of Michigan’s high school track showcase took place this year on January 19. The two-mile race Hummel would run earned him a nomination for MileSplit’s Runner of the Week.
“I feel honored to represent an elite field of Texas runners,” Hummel said. “I was a bit surprised, as I don’t feel like my times are as fast compared to others. However, the recognition reminded me that I am capable of running and competing at an elite level, and I want to use this achievement to prove that Bowie running is a strong team that belongs at competitive races.”
As he prepared to begin the two-mile race, Hummel’s supporters, including his high school track coach Lora Tilson, were cheering him on. Tilson explains that, at first, Hummel wasn’t close to the front at all, but slowly gained ground, one lap after the next.
“I watched the entire race, which was super exciting,” Tilson said. “He started off at almost the very back of the pack, in 8th or 9th place, and methodically moved up. He seemed to be telling himself to pass a person every lap and by the sixth one, he had moved into second or third place.”
From there, it looked like it was just a question of who wanted to win more. Hummel was able to overtake his competitor and cross the finish line, not only coming in first place but also achieving his record time of 9:19:55.
“I was able to let go of any stress or uncertainty I had and just run, and I let my plan to slowly move up to the front guide me,” Hummel said. “After the race, I was excited because I’d never won a competitive race before. There were a handful of races from the past year where I came in second, but it felt good to finally get the win.”
His success continued when his running time was good enough to get him a nomination for men’s runner of the week in all of Texas. Junior Miah McAulay, one of Hummel’s Bowie running team members, has run with him for years and is in awe of the grit and determination he expresses in every race.
“I am so proud of him because he has put in so much work for this and deserves it, one hundred percent,” McAulay said. “Griffin has such a positive mindset and he uses it to become a better runner every day.”
According to Tilson, the positive outlook Hummel has and his motivation to get up and work hard when others do not put him in leagues above most other runners his age. She says he is always ready to give his best effort for anything he puts his mind to, which ranges from academics to his sport.
“He comes in every morning hyped and ready, always wanting the biggest high five,” Tilson said. “I think what’s important is that he’s so concerned with everybody, and it’s very rare for him to focus on what he needs to do rather than his ideas for the team. He wants to share not only his successes but also what he’s done to get there with everybody and wants them to feel the same success he’s felt.”
Hummel credits many of his accomplishments to the peers he runs with at Bowie and the coaches he has worked with for years. He expresses that without their constant support, friendly competitiveness, and the team’s lively environment, he wouldn’t be where he is today.
“My past years in Bowie running have helped me discover more about myself and develop not only better running habits but better overall habits and life skills,” Hummel said. “Coach Tilson’s emphasis on consistency and making sure to do the little things is the mindset that has ultimately brought me to this point today. The Bowie running community pushes me to do my best, and I love being able to get to know everyone and also help them on their running journey.”
Since he is a Bowie High School record holder, Tilson says Hummel has impacted the Bowie running community. She believes he exemplifies that beating times and placing high is only part of a sport. The other part is attitude and the time willingly dedicated to becoming the athlete you aspire to be.
“His excitement, dedication, and work ethic has become a model for other people on the team,” Tilson said. “He generally brings a very strong desire of not only wanting to be there but also wanting to become better. I’m really, really proud of him.”
