Preble High School, cross country, track & field, Nordic skiing
Parents’ names: Beth Dornbush, Matt Dornbush
Siblings: Will Dornbush and Ty Dornbush
Instagram: @erdornbush
Position/Events: Track- 1600m, 800m. 4x800m
Career highlight:
This season’s cross country Sectional race, where I helped lead my team to a Sectional Championship, earning our spot at the State Championship after a 10 year drought. Alongside PR-ing where I broke under 20 minutes in the 5k.
What initially inspired you to run?
I participated in the Martin Elementary School running club and enjoyed it. I then decided to run in middle school as I thought it would be fun. The rest is history.
How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from freshman to senior year?
Freshman year it was new. I had to learn how to balance academics and athletics, and over the years I have developed strong time management skills. Practice makes permanent.
What is your favorite part about competing?
The feeling of finishing a race knowing I gave it everything I possibly had. The burn in my lungs and legs but the excitement I am filled with when I PR or have a great race. Also, talking with my teammates on our cooldowns after great races.
Is there a favorite drill in practice that you enjoy doing?
800m repeats are brutal but have become my favorite workout. They are the perfect length and speed.
What is the best part about being on a team but competing individually?
Competing individually means I can work toward my own personal goals which are not affected by others. In my sport, the clock doesn’t lie. But competing as a team you always have someone there for you. Either as someone to push you in a race, pick up slack on a bad day or to celebrate your personal and team wins. People think cross country isn’t a team sport, but when we run, we run as a team.
Has there been an individual (parent/athlete/coach) who played a role in shaping the athlete you’ve become today?
My parents; neither of them are runners but have supported me every single race. They always push me to run my best. My determination and drive in my racing career have come from them. My parents are always there for me during my highs and my lows.
What is the most challenging aspect of running?
Not giving up. Most of the time when we’re running we’re in pain. Your body and mind are telling you to stop, but you can’t. You have to lean into that pain. That is what separates a good runner from a great one.
Being a senior, describe some leadership roles that come into play.
I was the cross country captain this year. At the end of last season, we made it our goal to qualify for the State Championships as a team. This required us to put in the work all summer and into the season. During this season I helped create a hard-working mentality and a team environment where everyone felt accepted. These were key in contributing to our successful finish to the season; if we don’t put in the work and have trust in our teammates, we can’t perform to the best of our abilities.
I was also a distance track captain in my junior year, helping to lead our 4×800 relay to state and encourage younger athletes to hit consistent PRs throughout the season.
What is your ultimate pre-race routine?
Half a peanut butter sandwich 90 minutes before the race. 5-minute easy run 45 minutes before the race. Dynamic stretching and strides at the line. Dancing to music before the race.
Favorite collegiate or professional sports team?
The Green Bay Packers and US Cross-Country Skiing.
What is your favorite sports quote/movie?
From McFarland USA, “When we see a hill we smile.”
Do you enjoy weight training or conditioning more?
I’m a runner, so I lean toward conditioning. Nothing is better than an easy 3-mile run.
How does athletics make you a better student/worker/person?
Athletics taught me how to handle difficult situations. I don’t shy away from challenges but face them head-on. Through athletics, I developed teamwork skills that translate into group work and projects. Running and skiing have also helped me maintain my mental health and stay the happy-go-lucky person I am.
Are there any memorable coaches or teammates you would like to give a shout-out to?
My cross country coach, Coach Haller, for introducing me to high school racing and believing in me more than I believe in myself. Every time I race I hope to make him proud.
Coach Dessart my track coach. She pushes me to run my best and truly understands me as a runner. She is there for me before and after races and is one of the reasons for my track success.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to study electrical engineering at a Big Ten school.
Any advice you would give to your younger self?
Enjoy every minute of it. People always tell you that high school goes fast, but you don’t realize it until it’s almost over. The memories you make in your extracurriculars will be some of the best