Norman High School sophomore runner Alice Doke has been a fixture in cross country since middle school, steadily building toward a breakout season for the Lady Tigers. “I have been competing/running cross country since I was in sixth grade! And now I’m going into my sophomore year,” Doke said. Years of mileage and racing have shaped her into a determined competitor who is eager to see how far her training can take her this fall.
What keeps her coming back to the course each season is more than just the clock. “I really enjoy getting to grow as an individual and as a team! I also really enjoy the great community and coaches we have,” Doke said. That combination of personal goals and a strong support system helps fuel long workouts and tough races, and she credits Norman’s program for creating an atmosphere where runners can push themselves while feeling supported.
Doke looks up to former Norman standout Payton Fox, whose example still resonates even though they never shared a starting line. “Payton Fox. She was a couple years older than me, so I never got to run with her. But getting to watch her run was so fun. Getting to see how hard work pays off and just the way she treated her teammates,” Doke said. She also draws inspiration from elite runner Jane Hedengren. “Jane Hedengren inspires me because she’s such a strong runner. She is such a great competitor and just gives everything she has during races and practices! She’s someone I strive to be as a runner,” Doke said.
Experience has shaped her approach to race strategy as she heads into the new season. “Going into the season, I learned from last season two work the 2nd mile, and just trusting the coaches with knowing that they know it’s right,” Doke said. Her summer training has reinforced that confidence. “My summer workouts this summer have been going really well! I’m feeling very prepared for this upcoming season. My expectations for this season are just to PR as much as possible, break 19 and place top 15 at state,” she said.
Long term, Doke hopes her cross country journey will continue beyond high school. “After I graduate, my goal would be to run at the collegiate level if possible,” she said. She stays busy off the course as well, balancing running with leadership and faith-based activities. “Outside of cross country, I am a part of STUCO for Norman High, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and I run track in the spring,” Doke said.
