Class of 2014: The track is Marlow's stage

Bulldog track was a part of Marlow Schulz’ life long before she was sprinting her way into the record books. As the daughter of Whitefish track coach Derek Schulz, Marlow was just four months old when she attended her first state track meet.

“I grew up watching literally every meet,” Schulz said last week as she prepared for her final meet as a senior for the Lady Bulldogs.

Watching from the sideline, she idolized the great athletes who came before her — like Courtney and Ashley Ferda who both have secured their place as Bulldog legends.

“I remember thinking those girls were like movie stars,” Schulz said.

She hoped that one day, she too could leave a lasting impression on the track.

Consider it done.

At last week’s Class A state meet in Butte, Schulz completed a sweep of the sprints for the third straight year and became just the fourth girl in Montana history to win four consecutive 100-meter dash championships.

She leaves Whitefish with multiple school and state records, and a legacy as one of the best to run for the green and gold.

“Getting to be in that same position as the girls I grew up watching is super fun,” she said. “To have as much success as they had is amazing.”

Schulz has been turning heads in Whitefish since she won her first state championship as a skinny, timid freshman. She proved her dominance as a sophomore, and by the end of her junior year she was getting noticed well beyond state borders.

After graduation, Schulz will attend St. John’s University in New York City on a full-ride track scholarship. She drew the attention of other schools, like Duke University, but the big city won her over.

“I’m ready for an opportunity to branch out,” she said. “I always knew I wanted to go somewhere new.”

“I visited this fall and loved the school, loved New York, and loved the track team. It seemed like the best fit.”

As a member of the Red Storm she will compete in the Big East, and will likely run the 800.

“My sprinting days are over,” she said with a laugh, noting the tough competition she’ll face at the Division 1 level. “I’d get demolished.”

The 800, she said, presents a new challenge she’s ready to take on. She also will run cross-country, despite rarely ever running farther than a mile during her prep career.

“I don’t have the attention span,” she said. “I’ve run a few 5K’s and ran the Whitefish Lake Run a few times. Cross-country will be a whole different beast for me.”

She will study pre-med at St. John’s and hopes to attend medical school at New York University.

One of the perks of attending school in New York City is the opportunity to continue with her second love — tap dancing.

Schulz has performed with the local tap group Feat x Feet since she was 3 years old.

“I didn’t want to give up dance,” she said. “It will be hard to find the time with the commitment of track, but I’m hoping I can sneak away once or twice a week to dance.”

She says her experience performing under the spotlight has helped her running career.

“I have a whole different confidence because of dance,” she said. “I don’t really get nervous for races anymore. The track is like a different type of stage for me.”

Schulz is humble when speaking of her athletic accomplishments, and appreciates all the support she’s received while at Whitefish.

“Going to New York, I know it looks like I’m trying to escape the small town,” she said. “But I really do appreciate everything that our town has offered. I’m thankful for my time here and everything it’s taught me.”

“I have enjoyed my time as a big fish in a small pond. But I’m ready for what’s next.”