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 North Allegheny Cross-Country team in August 2024 and the North Allegheny Track and Field team for their 2025 season. In one year, Wyatt started making a name for himself in both the XC and track communities. 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 part of a team and still have opportunities to compete in solo events. It is 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 supports me as I work to 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 have always been an athletic person, even as a little kid. Until I started running, hockey was what I spent most of my time doing. I have played on different recreational leagues in the Pittsburgh area and played on the NAHS Tigers Inline Hockey Team during my freshman and sophomore years. As much as I excelled at hockey, it didn’t give me the same personal accomplishment that running does. I know hockey has prepared me for running. I developed skills like focusing under pressure, hand-eye coordination, teamwork, and a healthy competitive mindset. I still play hockey for fun and to keep my body and brain working in different ways.
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 well into their 40s and 50s. I know bike races have prepared me mentally for the individual responsibility that running requires. I like to add biking into my workouts so I can get cardio and give my joints a break from the impact of running. I've always thought it would be cool to participate in triathlons, and I did my first one in 2024.
I am glad my friends encouraged me to join the running club because it opened the door for me to try something new. Now, I am hooked on running and can’t wait to see where it takes me. I am striving to be recruited to run at a Division 1 Collegiate Level.
