First of all, how did you first start running?
I first started running because the varsity football coach had talked to my dad and told him to put me in track. Also, my brother previously did track his senior and had a lot of success, but the thing was he only did it for 1 year, so he never got chance to experience more and train, and my parents wanted to start me early. So that's when I joined in 7th grade.
What are all your personal records?
400m-48.29
200-21.88
100m-10.88
Do you do, or have you done, any sports other than track?
Yes, I played football all the way up until my ninth grade year. I stopped simply because I had lost interest in it, but I continued to do basketball and track, but never knew at the time that track would become my main sport.
What is your favorite or most memorable race you have ever run?
Nationals for USATF last summer because it was a whole different experience. We got to go to Cali and race on beautiful college track and have nice weather, plus I got to run with a team that was new to me that was capable of all competing with each other, so at every practice we were pushing to win. At Nationals, it goes to show that there will always be someone ahead of you, and that's motivation to get to the next level or above the next person.
When you won the Hamline Elite Meet in the 400 last year, you improved your time by over two full seconds, which is a crazy improvement for one already as fast as you. Did you know going into that race that you were in the shape to go that fast, or did it come as a surprise to you?
I never knew that I could drop it by 2 full seconds, but I knew if I ran with people that would push me, and to be around the atmosphere and tension that the Elite Meet brings, it can really change your mindset for you to perform at your best ability and have confidence.
Who are some of your favorite athletes to compete against?
Elk River athletes because they always know how to have a good time and are constantly just acting goofy, which makes track the most fun. But the positive thing about track is eventually you'll start to know a majority of people on different teams, and start to make friendly rivals with people who beat you last year and you'd never thought you would talk to them at all.
Who are some of the people that have been a big help or had a big impact on your athletic career so far?
My brother. I've always wanted to succeed in sports like he did and I always ran my races as if he was watching and set my goals out to beat his records. Also my parents and coaches. They have given me an incredible amount of support and I definitely wouldn't be the athlete and person I am today without them
What are your main goals for this upcoming season?
My main goal is to win State, but more than that it's just to keep improving every meet and PR. I am gonna focus a lot on getting my 100m down to 10.8 and below and especially focus on getting a 47 on my 400, which would probably be my happiest goal when accomplished.
Several great athletes have recently made a strong run for Minnesota's All-Time 400 meter record of 47.18 and have come up just short. Do you think you might have a shot at it?
Definitely it will be at my top goal along with getting into the 47 which will be a great motivation skill to push me. It won't be easy, but I've never doubted myself when it comes to goals, and I don't believe anyone should doubt themselves either.
Do you have any college plans?
I have signed to run at NDSU after high school.
What were the things that most attracted you to NDSU as your college choice?
They had the major I wanted to study there, and most schools did not have that so that was a major attraction. Another is that I know of a lot of people that go to NDSU, and a majority of them went to my school. It's not too close and it's not too far. Also the teammates and coaches that I had met there were super positive and it's all about feeling and making sure you're comfortable when picking a college.
Do you have any rituals or superstitions either on or off the track?
Constantly telling myself I'm going to win, or setting a higher standard and then setting one more high standard above the first one (because if you don't get the 2nd one, you at least get the first one you set). Otherwise I just focus on what race is ahead and talk to my friends and teammates to calm my nerves down. Oh, and to eat two packs of skittles after or before every race.
When not running or training on rubber ovals, what might we find you doing?
I have a high interest in fashion, and I design clothes on my spare time cause I'm starting a brand this summer. I also like making beats/music on my computer when I'm bored, or I'm just sitting at home watching cartoons and eating ramen.
What inspired you to start a fashion brand?
I was always the kid in school to wear the most different outfit and something that would just separate me from others, like when I used to shop I would look for something that I would ask myself "Why would I ever wear this?" and buy it just because I knew it would set me apart. As I entered high school I began knowing more and more about fashion, and then I came up with the idea to start a brand so I could take my passion and creativity and put them into pieces. So to answer that question, it just became my passion and with passion naturally comes with hard work and dedication to do it and get whatever it is done.
Tell me one bizarre fact about yourself.
I hate spending money on fast foods or snacks, not even a snack from the gas station or a 79ยข pack of gum.
