By Rich Palzewic
Sports Editor
Aisa Longnecker is a senior member of the De Pere cross country team.
In her spare time, she likes to train for half marathons, travel and play the piano and violin.
Longnecker, who is a two-time WIAA state qualifier, is unsure of her college choice, but Northwestern, Vanderbilt, Stanford, Wisconsin and the University of Chicago are possible destinations.
She hopes to study math, Japanese or music in college.
Name: Aisa Longnecker
School: De Pere
Sport: Cross country
Parents: Sayuri Pearson and Marshall Longnecker
Tell me about your family.
“Both of my parents are doctors. My dad is from Chicago, and my mom’s mom was born in Japan. My mom was born in the U.S. but lived in Japan for a while. I have an older brother named Andrew who graduated from De Pere in 2018. He’s currently at the University of Iowa studying bio-chem.”
Do you come from a sports family?
“Andrew played soccer and also ran cross country for one year.”
Did you ever try other sports at De Pere?
“I ran track my freshman year, but my classes got more difficult, so I needed to focus more on school and my music.”
Is there one sport you wish you had tried?
“Figure skating or swimming. Whenever I go for a run, I always think how nice it would be to cool off by swimming.”
How do you balance sports and academics?
“School always comes first. I might go for a quick run after school if I’m not running cross country, but I make sure my school work is done first.”
When did you start running?
“In the seventh grade. I started training for half marathons, too.”
Thoughts on running a marathon?
“It’s definitely the goal, but it takes a lot of commitment. I don’t have the time right now to run as much I’d need to. My goal is to run Boston someday.”
What’s it like having James Boyd as your head coach?
“He’s very supportive and encourages everyone to do their best.”
Do you have a most memorable sports moment?
“Sectionals last year when the whole team advanced to state, and I finished third overall.”
Do you have an embarrassing moment?
“During a Bay Port meet at Meadowbrook, I took a wrong turn – other people followed me.”
What is something about you most people wouldn’t know?
“I started playing the piano when I was 3.”
What’s the story on starting that young?
“My brother started playing the piano, so I started playing gently. My parents saw this and convinced my first teacher to take me on despite my young age.”
I know you’re humble, but how good are you on the piano?
“This year, I had two competitions on the same day – one in Appleton, the other in Oshkosh – and I won both. I’d say I’m pretty good (smiling).”
What’s the story with the violin?
“I started playing when I was 8 after my dad took me to see a symphony. The concertmaster that day became my violin teacher – it was ironic. I’d take my piano skills over my violin playing.”
What three words describe you?
“Disciplined, intelligent, musical.”
What are two things you’ll miss about De Pere?
“The cross country team and two teachers in particular – Mr. Johnson [physics] and Mrs. Rockstroh [math].”
How will you be remembered at De Pere?
“Hopefully, as a bright, funny and happy person.”
Piano or violin?
“This is too difficult to pick (laughing).”
Cats or dogs?
“Dogs.”
Chocolate or vanilla?
“Chocolate.”
Spring or fall?
“Spring.”
Watch the movie or read the book?
“Read the book.”
Favorites
Candy: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Board game: Monopoly
Ice cream: Double Brownie
Food: Honey garlic shrimp stirfry
Sport to watch at De Pere: Soccer