The runners toe the line. With strenuous strides, they explode off the start line. North Atlanta alumnus Sumner Kirsch is accustomed to scenes such as this. Kirsch has raced for nearly seven years dating back to his debut win in seventh grade. His competitive spirit has allowed him to be a part of the dynamic world of Division 1 athletics. The University of Georgia (UGA) recruited Kirsch – a member of the North Atlanta Class of 2023 – to compete on their cross-country and track teams. Kirsch committed to UGA on April 20th, 2023.
High school and college training have many differences with cross-training and weight training being a large component of college training, but Kirsch finds that the biggest difference is the mileage. Kirsch is excelling at Georgia, although he acknowledges the transition to college has been challenging. At North Atlanta, Kirsch consistently logged 35 miles per week. Enough, he says, to put in the work and get better, but not burn out. His college regimen far surpasses what he did in high school – Kirsch’s weekly mileage approaches 70 miles and will increase as his college career matures. “The transition to college mileage from high school mileage was crazy,” he said. “At first, it was hard, but slowly my body calloused itself to the increased load.”
While higher mileage can increase the chance of injury, heavy-weight training helps alleviate the risk. UGA’s Monday and Wednesday training includes heavy gym workouts with weights. Impressively, Kirsch says teammates can single-arm bench press 80 pounds and half-depth squat 350 pounds. The new level of strength is inspiring to Kirsch. “To run 70 miles a week and still move that kind of weight – it’s impressive,” said Kirsch.
Every weekday at 7 a.m., the team meets for practice. A typical week includes Monday – drills/speed work and weights, Tuesday – aerobic workout (heart rate) of 10 miles, Wednesday – long, easy run and weights, Thursday – recovery run, Friday – lactate threshold workout (speed), Saturday – long run of 12-14 miles, and Sunday – easy run/recovery. According to Kirsch, “doubles” (running twice in one day) are vital to hitting the mileage goal his coach, Tom Chorny, gives him each week.
The perks of being a D1 athlete include gear, access to elite facilities, top-tier coaching, and nutritionists. With these benefits comes a tremendous responsibility to his team and himself. Though he enjoys running for UGA, Kirsch has noticed that running D1 has consumed much of his life and sacrificed some parts of the typical college experience. “The sacrifices I make to be a part of this team are well worth it because of the connections and friendships I’ve made,” he said. “This experience is great for my future, and I have embraced running and the team as a priority.”
Kirsch’s North Atlanta coach, Nicholas Cluster, has been the head cross-country coach and an assistant track coach at NAHS for three years. Cluster joined the team during Kirsch’s junior year. Cluster found Kirsch to be very respectful to the leaders of the team and found his dedication impressive. When it was his time to lead as a senior, Cluster said Kirsch stepped up to the challenge. “His commitment to the team was unreal, which inspired the young guys to fight for a win every time they stepped on the line,” Cluster said. “He was laser-focused his senior year and always wanted to win.”
Sumner Kirsch is a fiery competitor. He is thoroughly enjoying competing as a D1 athlete – making sacrifices along the way, meeting new people, growing, running 70 miles a week, and basking in every minute of it.
