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Breck standout and the current reigning Class AA State Champion for cross country may not have made his season debut yet after dealing with injury for months, but that doesn't mean he still can't make headlines. Keller recently committed to Duke University in Durham, NC where he will run track and cross country.
We at MileSplit Minnesota recently caught up with Keller to talk about his commitment, his injury, and his future comeback this fall.
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You just announced your commitment to Duke to run cross country and track, how does it feel to have your commitment shored up for your future?
It feels amazing. It has always been my dream to commit to a D1 program, especially one where I feel I can perform best and improve the most.
How did you come to commit to Duke?
People always ask the question: where would you be happiest if you got injured? Especially having been injured for 7 months, this question played a big role in my decision and if I was not able to run, I think I would be happiest at Duke. Also, I want to be a part of a team not only vying for national qualification but competing at a national level, and with the guys we already have committed, I see that coming.
Were there any other schools you considered?
It came down to Harvard, Wake Forest, University of Minnesota, and U Penn. It was one of the hardest decisions I have made.
Related: 2022 Minnesota College Signings Hub
What was the recruiting process like for you?
The recruiting process took a lot out of me but it was also very fun to build these relationships with some of the top programs in the country.
What goals do you envision yourself having for your career at Duke?
Individually, I want to be an All-American in cross country and make it to the national meet both indoors and outdoors in track. As a team, I want to qualify for the national meet in cross country and compete with the best of the best.
For those on the team currently or those you know will be joining you in your class, who are you most looking forward to training and competing with?
I am excited to train with all the guys but I am really looking forward to putting some more miles in with Jackson Heidesch and Will Skelly.
You have been injured so far this cross country season, but you said that you will run this October, how are you feeling with you're running currently and when do you think you'll be back racing?
For the 7 months I have been injured I have been cross training practically everyday plus loads of other training and treatment. I have only been running every other day or so for a month or two and there is definitely some running fitness I need to get back but I am trying not to put too much pressure on myself as to make the injury worse. I still have some big goals and a lot left to prove.
When you're back healthy, what are your goals for the rest of the cross-country season this fall?
I am really trying to play it by day and whip myself into as good as shape as I can in the limited time I have. However, I feel that one state title does not mean anything if you don't defend it, so that is where a lot of my focus is at right now.
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Alden Keller Takes Down the Competition to Win 1st State Title
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You and Harris Gulbransen will make quite the duo when you're back and healthy. What do you think the two of you could accomplish together this fall?
Harris has been running fantastic so far this season and is improving rapidly. If I can get back into racing soon, I think we can do something special for Breck at the State Meet.
You're the defending Class AA state champion and finished 6th at Heartland last fall, how do you think you can build on that?
Of course I am going to be looking to defend my title and qualify for both NXN and Eastbay Nationals but my priority is staying healthy and if I can do that, I think I can build off my cross training enough to accomplish those goals.
Looking past the Minnesota cross-country season, are you going to compete at any of the big national or regional meets?
I am looking to compete at NXR and Eastbay Regionals bidding for the top 5 and top 10 positions.
You are one of the fastest runners in Breck history, what kind of legacy and impact do you think you're leaving on the program?
I really want to leave a good mark at Breck and I think both my teammate Harris and I can do that through not only individual success but team success.
Who have been some of your favorite teammates to compete with and some of your favorite runners to compete against?
Harris Gulbransen has been great to train and compete with. We have become great friends over the years so we both push each other to our limits. In terms of other competitors I have to say Shef West, Sam Scott and Nick Gilles who are not only great runners but good friends as well.
What has been your favorite cross country memory so far from high school?
I have to say winning my first state title last fall has been my highlight of my high school career so far. But, I am hoping that is going to change this year.
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