Eyeing a run at redemption

Updated: September 3, 2011 9:33PM

You could say Kyle Nurse is really looking forward to the Chesterton Sectional.

While the meet is a little more than five weeks away, the Wheeler senior cross country standout can hardly wait for the opportunity to take care of some unfinished business.

Nearly a year has passed since Nurse’s junior season ended abruptly following a 16th place finish at the sectional.

Nurse’s finish at Sunset Hill Farms that day was like a bad dream.

He competed with a sore Achilles’ heel after being injured during the Bearcats’ soccer game against Hebron.

Nurse, who played sweeper in soccer and also competes in track, had torn cartilage in his hip and pinched nerves in both calves.

“I didn’t even think about my injuries when I was up on the line that day, because the adrenaline was flowing,” he said.

To add to his physical woes, Nurse forgot his spikes and had to run in gym shoes.

“I was really upset after the race that day,” Nurse said. “It’s really motivated me for this year’s race. I can’t wait for the sectional. I’ve got to bounce back. I always have to make sure I have that resilient mindset and keep it there.”

While Nurse intends to stay healthy, he shouldn’t have to worry about forgetting his spikes again.

“I give my spikes to one of my teammates now and have them bring them to meets,” Nurse laughed. “So far, they’ve been pretty good about bringing them.”

At last week’s Gavit Invitational, Nurse won the boys A title.

He’s looking forward to using the rest of this season to prepare for the postseason.

One of the goals he had was to better his personal-best of 16:45, set at last year’s Highland Invitational.

Nurse already accomplished the goal.

He finished an impressive 20th at Saturday’s Lafayette Harrison Invitational with a personal record time of 16:33. He was a disappointing 56th last year.

“He’s running well,” Wheeler coach Luis Guillen said. “I think last week (at Gavit) and (Saturday) really did a lot for his confidence. He still has a little bit more work to do to be running with Ahmad (Albojeh) from Valpo and (Mitch) Hubner from LaPorte, but he has the potential to be there.

“Kyle definitely has quite an upside. The sky is really the limit for him, if he wants it. He’s just built like a runner. I think if he really works and he wants it, he can really go after it.”

If Nurse is as disciplined with his running as he is outside athletics, he should enjoy a memorable season.

“It’s just my mom (Traci) and my little brother (Logan) who’s 11,” said Nurse, who spends a lot of time taking care of his younger sibling.

“It’s hard to do cross, school and take care of my brother at the same time. When my mom goes to work, I have to take him to practices and things like that. Sometimes, it gets on my mind a lot.

“I try to be a good role model for him. He’s been looking up to me. He’s an athlete, too, and he loves sports. I’m trying to get him in shape for middle school sports and get him into a routine where he’s lifting weights and getting ready for football.”

When the pressure mounts, Nurse takes to the road.

“I’ll go for a run at night,” he said. “It really clears my mind. It’s definitely a stress-reliever.”

When his high school career concludes, Nurse plans on getting a tattoo.

“Family comes first for me,” he said. “I’m really close to my family. I’m going to get a tattoo right down the side of my ribs on the left side, because it’s closest to my heart — and it’s also the most painful spot. That’s where I keep the family. It shows I’ll do anything for my family no matter what kind of pain I have to go through.”

Guillen said it’s hard for him to imagine not having Nurse next year.

“He’s a hard-working, humble kid,” he said. “He’s a real good kid to work with. It’s going to be real sad to see him graduate.”

© 2012 Sun-Times Media, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be copied or distributed without permission. For more information about reprints and permissions, visit www.suntimesreprints.com. To order a reprint of this article, click here.