Mike Spielman has been teaching at Baldwin High School for over two decades. People near and far have heard about the numerous coaching titles and awards that he’s earned during his time at this moderately sized Kansas high school, but what was he doing before he was here? Spielman was at one point in his life a successful high school and college athlete.

Q. Where and when did you attend high school?

• A. Sabetha, Kansas

Q. When did you first begin to run?

• A. I first remember sixth grade we did the physical fitness and I won the 60 meter race.

Q. What were your greatest achievements during your high school running career?

• A. There were a couple. Teamwise we got third at state cross country my freshman year. Being state champ in the mile and 800.

Q. What are some of your greatest memories from running in high school?

• A. The state track meet my senior year was really big. Memories with my friends. I really enjoyed being at school and hanging out with people.

Q. What were your aspirations for running after high school?

• A. I knew that I wanted to run in college. Everyone has a dream of breaking the 4 minute mile.

Q. How did you choose which college to attend?

• A. I grew up a huge Kansas State fan. KU coaches had been talking to me and the K State coaches weren’t.

Q. What were your greatest achievements during your college running career?

• A. Getting tenth at nationals in cross country was a really big event. KU hadn’t done it in almost 25 years.

Q. What are your greatest memories of your college year?

• A. All the teammates and all the different stories. Everyone was from different parts of the country.

Q. Did you prefer to run in high school or college?

• A. It was a lot harder in college but you also saw more improvement. High school was a lot easier being in the top group.

Q. What life lessons have you learned from running?

• A. I probably learned more in running and athletics on how to deal with people and how to deal with stressful situations and how to push through things. There are certain things that are easier to learn after having pushed yourself through a lifetime of difficult races and meets.