Soddy-Daisy High School seniors and best friends Cory Aulich and Louis Sapp have been daily training partners for two years. They both run long-distance events, and recently signed to compete in track and field at college next fall.
The only problem, if you could call it that, is that they signed to different, competing schools. Aulich is set to run for Milligan College, while Sapp signed with Tennessee Wesleyan.
In spite of the distance that will be put between them, and despite the fact they’ll be competing against one another, Aulich said he doesn’t expect anything to change between them.
“I’m just looking to really continuing our friendship despite the rivalry,” he said. “For me, it’s no different from leaving college to see your family. I definitely consider [Sapp] like a brother.”
Sapp echoed his friend’s sentiment, explaining that although it will be strange initially running on a team without Aulich, he’s already planning to stay in touch and train together while they’re both at home.
“Competing against Cory is going to make me want to work even harder in the offseason,” Sapp said. “If he beats me, I’ll be happy for him of course, but I’m going to do whatever it takes to get it next time.”
Both boys said they’re excited to see how they will grow and develop as runners in a new environment. Aulich said that since everyone who will be on his new team wants to be there, he’s expecting a high level of competition and training.
Sapp has only been running track for two years, something that makes his signing even more remarkable. He was a soccer player for years before Aulich one day asked him if he wanted to go on a run.
“He said I was pretty good, so we started sticking together,” said Sapp. “He makes sure we push each other to our max every workout. He’s the most hardworking guy I’ve ever competed with.”
Although their friendship only started growing once they were in high school, the boys agree that training together brings out the best in both of them. While they are confident about their future collegiate performance, it will initially be difficult to train without the other, they said.
But both said their primary focus will be on their education, despite their strenuous training schedules whenever they join their respective teams. Aulich said he’s looking into pre-med biology programs. Sapp plans to go into communications.
Email Shane Foley at sfoley@timesfreepress.com.