(Photo provided by EPXC)
What are all your personal records?
800: 2:00
1600: 4:24
2k Steeple: 6:14
3200: 9:40
5k: 15:45
How did you get started as a track or cross country athlete?
When I was in 1st grade, I ran the fastest mile time in my grade and my parents found me a club team and I've been in love ever since.
What was your most memorable competition?
My most memorable competition was back at my old school (Robbinsdale Armstrong) as a sophomore competing at conference. I gave a pump up speech at the line and could tell how motivated and determined our team was to win. We won the conference powering over Centennial and Andover while coming out of nowhere and grabbing an All-Conference spot. It means a lot to me because I loved those guys and even though I've transferred I've kept contact and close running relationships with them and it's all thanks to Conference 2014.
Who were your competitor in your track/XC career?
My teammates Andrew Kempf and Zak Risken were big motivators because it only made our team better. I also loved competing against the Wilkinson Brothers from Minnetonka.
What was your greatest accomplishment as a track/XC athlete?
My greatest accomplishment as a Track and XC runner was winning "Most Inspirational Athlete" in the 2016 XC season because it showed I made an impact on the future of our team by showing them how hard work pays off and helped them adapt mental toughness.
(Photo provided by Lance Elliott)
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your track/XC high school?
XC State 2016 my teammate Zak Risken and I competed at state and I didn't check where he was at in the race and he fell off. I would of called him up because with him up with me, we could of finished top 10 together because of how hard we push each other.
How have your coaches been an influence to you as an athlete and a person?
They've taught me how to overcome adversity, push through pain, take a risk and much more. My coaches have made me who I am today.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I've had to overcome Mono, ACL problems, Achilles problems and much more, but the hardest by far was the school transfer. The school transfer was weird because it was 2 totally different schools and it took awhile to adjust and screwed up school and running.
What will you miss the most about high school track/XC?
I'll miss watching the growth of young runners out of middle school. It's fun to see how much potential our team has.
(Photo provided by EPXC)
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
Have the mindset of championships early because it'll lead you and your team to greatness.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan to run Division 1 track on scholarship at Southeastern Louisiana University and study Athletic Training and Mental Health.
Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
Coach Steve from Track Minnesota. He was Diagnosed with MS a few years ago but he still comes to our meets to coach us including Early August meets in Houston and Virginia Beach because he wants the best for us. He's taught me that pain is temporary and do what you have to do for the team even if it's sacrificing yourself.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I want to thank other coaches like Coach Jack, Coach Sam, Coach Jeff, Coach Stephens and Coach Tyra they've made me who I am today and deserve recognition.
(Photo provided by Lance Elliott)
