North Butler sophomore Ezra Almelien qualified for his second Class 1A state cross country meet with a 10th place time of 17:42 at the state qualifying meet at Central Springs on October 24th.
Almelien on race strategy at state, representing his running family and managing mileage.
“Probably gonna get out pretty hard and I’m ready for that. Normally I don’t get out too hard and that’ll be different. A lot of the runners that I run against throughout the season are down there. I’m used to running with them, I can go out with them and try to keep with them,” says Almelien. “Our family for sure loves running, it’s awesome to represent them down in Fort Dodge. Definitely lowered the miles towards the end of the season. Not putting in too many miles this week, making sure I’m fresh for Saturday.”
Almelien has run in 17 minute range in four of his last five meets, his fastest time this season was a 16:47.8 at Lake Mills Invite on October 7th.
North Butler Head Coach Kirk Clark says Almelien is a go-getter and shares thoughts on his experience at Kennedy Park.
“He doesn’t quit, trains hard and pushes it every day. He’s got a set training program that he goes by and he’s honest with that. He pushes himself and goes,” says Clark. “He’s been a great leader to all the other kids and all the success we’ve had with the team. He’s a go-getter and deserves every bit of this. He’s going to do great. He ran there last year and knows the course. I see this every year, that first year running down there is a little tough, but once you get to know the course and run there more than once, you do a lot better. I’m hoping for some really good results.”
Almelien placed 84th in 18:08.6 at his first state meet last year.
The Class 1A boys meet is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. at Kennedy Park in Fort Dodge on Saturday.
Ezra Almelien Interview
Head Coach Kirk Clark Interview
