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Lockert making big strides in college

By MICHAEL COIT
The Press Democrat

Published: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 

For a runner back in the pack, Sterling Lockert has sure been a top performer during his first year of college 
competition.

The former Petaluma High star led the Loyola Marymount University men’s cross country team to their best results 
ever in several NCAA Division I races.

Most impressive was pacing the Lions in the West Region championships. Despite losing a shoe in the mud during the 
last mile, Lockert finished strong in the 10 kilometer race — twice the distance he ran in high school just a year 
ago.

While focusing on final exams this week, Lockert already is looking forward to track season. The 18-year-old wants 
to run fast enough in the 5 kilometer to qualify for the USA Track & Field junior nationals.

“My biggest goal was first to learn how to race in college and have fun. I wanted to come here and enjoy running. 
I accomplished that,” he said.

Freshmen face a huge jump in distance for college cross country races and the higher level of training needed to 
prepare their bodies.

“To jump up, that is just really tough, especially on a younger kid. Some surprise on the high side and some 
surprise on the low side,” said Loyola Marymount coach Scott Guerrero. “He definitely exceeded my expectations.”

Expected to be one of Loyola Marymount’s top five runners, Lockert showed he could do even more for the Lions with a 
breakout performance in the Stanford Invitational. He was second on the team, setting a Loyola Marymount freshmen 
record for the course as the Lions finished a team-best seventh in the prestigious 8 kilometer race.

Then he led the Lions to a sixth place finish at the Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival 10 kilometer race at Arkansas.

At the West Coast Conference finals, Lockert beat the previous meet best time for freshmen on the rugged 8 kilometer 
Crystal Springs course just south of San Francisco in finishing ninth overall. He was second on the team with 
Loyola Marymount taking second.

Then he led the Lions to a school best 13th place finish in the 10 kilometer West Region race, finishing 60th overall.

“In high school I could race with the top guys. Here, they’re just going so incredibly fast,” Lockert said.

Still, Lockert said the results were surprisingly good and he is farther along than he expected.

“I thought I would have to spend a whole year trying to learn how to run an 8K and 10K. It wasn’t as bad as I 
thought it would be,” he said. “In high school you were racing all the time so the results were super gradual. 
In college you go weeks without racing. You can look at your time and just see the growth you made. It’s fun.”

Improving is one thing. Leading the team is another.

“Did I expect him to lead us in two races and two races at 10 kilometers? No. That was a little bit of a pleasant 
surprise,” Guerrero said.

Not only is Lockert a talented runner, but he also listens to his coaches, is a good teammate, and has been 
patient in his training, Guerrero said.

“He’s one of those rare birds that’s got it all,” Guerrero said.

A gradual increase in training helped set up Lockert for a strong cross country campaign. He worked up from 40 miles 
to 60 miles a week, and also joined the team to lift weights three days a week and jog in the school pool twice weekly.

“When I started actually putting my body through that higher volume training, you get better,” he said. “I’m way 
stronger than I was.”

Another key to his success has been a more efficient running form.

“You’re running economy becomes extremely important so you can keep form,” Lockert said. “That’s the name of the 
game. Who can hold it together for that last mile.”

Track presents a new challenge. Lockert will run the 5 kilometer, a 3.1-mile race compared with the 2-mile in high 
school, the longest prep distance.

The Redwood Empire 2-mile record holder, Lockert said he will have to be “flying” to run the 5 kilometer at his 
high school pace.

“I’m not there yet, but hopefully at the end of the season,” he said.

Lockert also is working at a higher level in his studies, as well as adjusting to living away from home.

“You figure it out. You get in your groove,” he said. “I’ve learned a ton in college about life in general and school. 
I’ve had a great time.”

His four years at Loyola Marymount are just the start for the physical and occupational therapy major. Lockert must 
complete another three years at a physical therapy school.

His first cross country season a success, Lockert appears poised to accomplish what he wants both at running and 
in school.

“I don’t think he’s even begun to tap what he’s capable of,” Guerrero said. “He really is just getting started.”

You can reach Staff Writer Michael Coit at 521-5470 or mike.coit@pressdemocrat.com.

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