First of all, how did you first get involved with running?
I first got started running in 6th Grade. I traveled with the cross country team to a meet that had an elementary race and did pretty well. Then in 7th grade, since I hated football, I decided to join the cross country team. I had always been one of the fastest in the class when we ran the mile in gym so I thought, "Why not?"
What are all your personal records?
XC
5k - 16:00
Track (Subject to change)
800m - 2:10
1600m - 4:34
3200 - 9:53
Do you do, or have you done, any other sports?
I played baseball in 7th grade as well as basketball up until I was a sophomore. Now I run year round.
What is your favorite or most memorable competition you've ever been in?
My most memorable race I have ever been in was this year's 2016 Minnesota State Cross Country Meet. It was my senior year and going into the race I had run the fastest section meet time in Class A. I led 2/3rds of the race and ended up 6th. I was hoping for a better finish but the experience of leading the race outweighed the final result.
Other than your own teammates, who are some of your favorite athletes to compete against?
I definitely like racing against the guys from Perham and Mora. Not only were they the 2 fastest Class A teams in the state this year, they are just all around nice guys. I also like racing Ethan Olson from Moose Lake, and Matt Steiger and Zach Emery from La Crescent. We all compete hard against each other, but right after the race we are all friends and end up chatting.
(Photo Provided by Ryley Nelson)
Who are some people that have been most helpful to you in your athletic career?
My coaches have helped me out tremendously. They are always so positive and give me goals to strive for. Some others are my parents. They have always been there for me and support me every day through my endeavors.
What are your main goals for this upcoming track season?
My goals for my final season in track are:
800m - Sub 2:06
1600m - 4:20
3200m - 9:20
How are you feeling about where you are at performance and training-wise this season?
Training has been going very well but due to the weather and meet cancellations I have only raced twice this season. Although this is a mental set-back I feel like the work I put in this winter will help me improve later in the season when the important meets take place.
As a senior, how have your perspectives, strategies, or attitudes changed since you first started running, what advice would you give to younger track athletes?
I've definitely become more dedicated through my years of running. I would tell kids that even if you don't find success right away, if you keep grinding and working hard it will pay off. I say this from actual experience . I didn't find large success in running until my junior year. You just have to have the right mentality and everything will work out.
Do you have any college plans yet?
I will be attending Augustana University next fall to continue my academics and athletics at the NCAA Division II level.
What were some of the things that attracted you to Augustana?
The attitude and environment that the team had when I went on my overnight visit really drew me in. All the guys were "bought-in" on not only getting individually better, but on bettering as a team as well. Not only that, the college is a great academic school and is in a great area as well.
Do you have any rituals, routines, or superstitions either on or off the track?
Yes definitely. My teammates get annoyed at how superstitious I am sometimes. I always have to have pasta the night before a race, and Rice Krispies with a lot of sugar the morning of. I also never like to talk about winning a race. Sometimes people ask me, "Are you going to win today?" I always answer with something like, "I'll try my best," because I don't want to jinx things.
How did you begin the rice-krispies-with-sugar tradition?
I'm not actually sure. I've eaten them for breakfast since I was a toddler and never had any problems with them when I run. I even bring my own box to meets where we stay in hotels the night before.
When not doing anything track-related, what might we find you doing?
You can usually find me golfing or with friends. Often after practice me and my teammates play Spikeball as well.
Tell me one bizarre fact about yourself.
I have never shaved my face.
