Athlete Spotlight: Eva Selensky

BISMARCK – Eva Selensky admits she’s more suited for middle-distance running than long distances, but you wouldn’t know it watching the senior attack a 5,000 meter course. 

The Bismarck St. Mary’s student, who competes for Bismarck Legacy’s cross country program, has been one of the state’s best performers over the past two seasons.

Selensky won the WDA individual title a season ago and was runner-up earlier this month. She finished sixth at last year’s state meet and is expected to be in contention for another top 10 finish.

“Eva is not only a hard worker, but she’s a smart runner,’’ said Legacy coach Kelsey Reimnitz. “She knows where to position herself during races and does an outstanding job of setting the tone early while being able to finish strong.”

Distance running is not a sport many gravitate toward, but Eva enjoyed it at an early age. “My interest started in elementary school because our annual Race for Education fundraising event,’’ she said. 

From there it was participating in Great Plains Track for summer training and meets. And then onto middle school cross country and before cracking the varsity lineup for the Sabers.

It wasn’t until last fall before she hit her stride. “I think what changed for me from sophomore to junior year was my confidence,’’ Selensky said. “I had a little more success in track and I think that’s what pushed me to believe that I could do the same in cross country.”

Distance running is hard on the body and proper training, recovery and nutrition factor into success. “Eva practices hard, as a lot of distance runners do, but she also understands the necessary balance of intensity and recovery (rest),’’ Reimnitz said. “What separates her from others is her willingness to put in the work outside of practice time. She is as dedicated out-of-season as she is during the season. She also does a great job of taking care of her body…stretching, sleeping, hydrating and good fueling.”

Selensky is a multi-sport athlete, playing basketball in the winter and running track in the spring where she has also had plenty of success. But when it comes to cross country, she likes the simplicity of it.

“I enjoy it because all I have to do is run,’’ she said. “I don’t have to worry about offense or defense. The people in the sport are supportive. Everyone cheers for each other at meets.”

During a typical week Eva and her teammates log about 30 miles of training as well as work on the other aspects of course running, including hill sprints.

When it comes to race day, the competitor in her comes out. “My strategy going into the race is starting off conservative and seeing what the other runners will do,’’ she said. “Then during the last 200 meters, I try and pick up the pace and finish strong.”

Legacy’s team features a big group of seniors who have been running together since middle school. “We are not only teammates, but friends, too,’’ she said. “Nobody has quit and I think that says a lot about our culture of the team and the sport as a whole. We also have a lot of younger runners that have contributed to our team…which is exciting for Legacy in the future.”

One of those younger runners is Eva’s sister, Ella. The freshman is also having a strong year. 

“It something we can bond over and I will definitely miss it,’’ Eva said. “It’s always nice to know you have someone to share experiences, support each other and talk (with).”

Selensky is not a vocal leader, but she’s endeared by her teammates and coaches. “While she might come off as a quiet kid, she has a fantastic personality and a great sense of humor,’’ Reimnitz said. “She is incredibly humble and celebrates her teammates’ (and sister’s) success over her own.”

The Sabers program has plenty to celebrate this season. A good mix of senior leaders and up-and-coming underclassmen has led to five top three finishes, including the title at the Border Battle in Grand Forks and a runner-up finish at the conference meet. Another top three finish is possible at the state meet (Oct. 26).  

Eva still has more running to do following cross country. As mentioned, she’s a standout for St. Mary’s track program. She won the 3200 meter run at state last season and was runner-up in the 800 and 1600 meters. Running in college is also in the cards, but she has not yet decided on what school she will attend. 

Wherever she ends up, Eva will bring a strong running resume with her and the confidence to succeed.

Photo: Loralyn Joyce