LAPEL — Sibling rivalries can be tough — in most cases one is always trying to outdo the other. But for Lapel cross country runners Paige and Luke Rich, they see it less as a rivalry and more as an opportunity to push each other to new heights.
Paige is a junior, and Luke is a sophomore, and both play the same three sports; cross country, basketball, and track and field.
Paige has added a fourth sport this year, joining the cheerleading team.
Both are exceptional students, currently holding 4.0 grade-point averages, and welcome the challenges of balancing scholastic success with a busy high school athletic career.
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“There are a lot of late nights and a lot of studying,” Luke said. “You have to be ahead of it. If there is a practice or a late game, you have to get the homework done first.”
“If the academic part comes easy to you, that makes everything else easier,” Paige added. “Also, loving what you do, the sports that you play, makes it worthwhile and makes you want to get up and go. I enjoy the classes I take and the sports I play — that makes it easier.”
Luke said he and his sister are competitive, especially when it comes to grades. He said seeing her succeed makes him want to continue his own success.
“It’s hard, since Paige is smart, too, maintaining the same competitiveness,” he said. “For me, probably grades (is more challenging), trying to be up there with her.”
Both kids also share a sharp sense of humor.
Luke said his sister gives as good as she gets in a war of words.
“You can’t really say anything bad about her, because she’ll turn it right around on you,” he said.
Paige said Luke is the life of the party.
“He is definitely an extrovert,” Paige said of her brother. “In big groups with his friends, it’s definitely boy humor, so I’m kind of like, ‘Luke, shut up.’ But his friends are always laughing at him; he’s always got the quick remark.”
Luke is trying to get back into race shape after suffering a broken arm during the summer in a bike accident. He said his sister is pushing him to work harder in that process.
“It’s really competitive, especially now that I’m out of shape with my arm,” he said. “We’re kind of the same speed, so I’m pushing myself if she’s just a few meters behind me. I can’t let her beat me.”
“He pushes me, which is good,” Paige added. “It’s competitive when we’re running; I’m always looking to see where he is. But we’re always there to cheer each other on.”
