Records were made to be broken by Kate Buban: Buban breaks 10-year standing all-time 6K record twice in one season

Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST

By Izabela Gage Sports Editor When the cross country season begins, most runners set their sights on personal bests, hoping to shave a few seconds off their times. But Captain Kate Buban, a junior, didn’t want just to improve her personal record. She broke the Framingham State women’s cross country 6K all-time record - not once, but twice in one season. The first record she made came at the Pop Crowell Invitational hosted by Gordon College Sept. 13, which is a notoriously tough course. Buban said, “Personally, I think it means that I put the work in, and I'm seeing it pay off. I'm hoping that my record stays for a while, and that it's a hard one to break.” Head Coach Mark Johnson said she started the race with lots of energy, and with “just over one lap around the track left in the race, I looked at the watch and saw that she was right there. I screamed at her, something like, ‘You’ve got to go now!’ I’m sure she didn’t hear any of that because she was just in the zone.” The old record was set by Taylor Roberts in 2015 and stood at 23:35, and Buban finished with a time of 23:34.63. Johnson said he wasn’t surprised, as he has seen Buban’s steady climb over the past three years. “I could not have been more enthused to see Kate break that record. She has put in so much time and effort, not just this year, but over her time at Framingham - in season, out of season, prioritizing getting the runs in, bettering herself as an individual and as a runner.” Johnson said because the old record was 54 seconds faster than the nearest person, it “was a record that myself and our old coaching staff used to joke about. Would it live on forever?” Buban thanked both Johnson and Assistant Coach Glenn O’Connor “for always showing up for us.” Buban said her mindset going into races has shifted, and that has made a big difference. “I just go into it as easy-minded as possible, and I don't stress about anything - just go in with kind of a blank chalkboard and do my thing.” That focus carried her through her second record-breaking performance at the Keene State College Invitational Oct. 4, where she finished with a time of 23:29.4. Buban said she didn’t think there was a chance of her breaking it again. “I was surprised. But I'm glad that I pushed through, and it was one of the first races where I felt that I gave it my all.” Johnson said Buban’s work ethic sets her apart because of “her will and her determination when she’s set her sights on something.” He added, “She has put together an incredible running base, especially in the summer when it’s crazy hot out. Getting the motivation to go run 7, 8, 9, or 10 miles in 100-degree days is tough. … She did it, and with a smile, of her own accord.” That effort hasn’t gone unnoticed by her teammates, either. Johnson said, “The team is very supportive of Kate - seeing what she's doing and trying to replicate that. Across the board, the team is super proud of all that she's accomplished this season.” Johnson said, “Kate’s also a great captain, as she leads by example. She really shows our younger athletes on the team that if you’re willing to put in the time and drive yourself in the summer, this is what you can be capable of.” Buban said the races are as much mental as physical. “Especially when you’re racing, one thing you just need to think about is that it's going to hurt, and you just need to sit with that emotion and let it hurt. I was like, ‘This feels too hard. I don't want to do this anymore.’ And then I was like, ‘Wait, no, it's fine because I'm ahead of Westfield State.’” She added it’s not just time that drives her this year, but placement, too. “Passing those girls that you usually run with in that pack is a huge motivator of like, ‘OK, I need to keep going. I need to keep pushing to win.’” Looking ahead, Buban said she hopes to stay consistent and keep improving. Johnson said, “I’m sure I’ve said it in 14 ways, but I’m super proud of everything that Kate’s done so far. She’s been a lot of fun to work with for the last three years. I’m excited for her, but sad that she’s a junior. … I think big things are coming for Kate Buban.”