About
Wyatt Case - Class of 2027
| NA Tigers Cross Country & Track
Wyatt started running in June 2024 with the North Allegheny Summer Running Program. As a sophomore, Wyatt joined the 2024 North Allegheny Cross-Country team and the 2025 North Allegheny Track and Field. In one year, Wyatt proved he was a strong runner in both the XC and track. His goals include being recruited to compete at the Division I collegiate level.
What’s your favorite part about running?
I like how it helps me clear my head and pushes my physical limits. I enjoy being on a team and still have opportunities to compete in solo events. It’s motivating to have responsibility for both my individual times, and the team’s results. Coach Neff is great at helping me see my potential and improve.
What made you start as a sophomore?
Some of my friends who were already running XC and track said I should try NA’s summer running program. I’ve always been involved with sports. I played hockey and competed in mountain biking races since I was 6, so I decided to give it a try, and I’m glad I did.
What are your goals for junior year?
In track, I want to run a 1:53 or below for the Boys 800m. I am also working hard to run at states and finish in the top 5. I want to continue on the NA Boys 4x800 team and keep up our gold medal status. In XC, my goal is to run a 15:15 or faster in the 5000m. I am pushing myself to run at states and finish in the top 10. I want to learn how to pace myself even better and refine my running technique.
What was your biggest challenge this year?
Learning how to balance training with recovery. Since this was my first year running, I had to make a new workout routine, prioritize rest, and focus on nutrition. It was natural for me to develop a running habit and stay consistent with training, so paying more attention to the other details will help me stay healthy and perform better in races.
I’ve been athletic since I was a kid, with a focus on hockey and mountain biking. I’ve played in recreational leagues in the Pittsburgh area and played for the NASH Tigers Inline Hockey Team in the 9th and 10th grades. As much as I love hockey, it didn’t give me the same personal accomplishment that running does. Hockey helped me develop skills like focusing under pressure, hand-eye coordination, teamwork, and a healthy competitive mindset. I still play and practice hockey for fun.
Mountain biking is another sport I have always enjoyed. My dad and I compete in races during the summer, and it’s a lot of fun to be a part of. At 14, I was bumped up to the Sports category, competing against racers in their 40s and 50s. Bike races prepared me for the personal responsibility running requires. I incorporate biking into my workouts to give my joints a break from the impact of running. I always thought it would be cool to participate in triathlons, and I did my first one in 2024.
I am glad my friends convinced me to run because now I’m hooked and can’t wait to see where I can go with it. At this point in my running career, I am striving to be recruited to run at a Division 1 Collegiate Level.