Confident in his training and abilities, William Laurine (10) runs at cross country districts Nov. 1. His many years of involvement in this sport has led him to this spot.

“I have been running cross country for 8 years since 2nd grade,” Laurine said.

Last cross country season, Laurine’s time was very close to qualifying for state, so he was motivated to work even hard this season. By the end, he was anticipated to qualify.

“I was expecting to qualify for state, as my time has been sitting close to the time I needed to run to make it,” Laurine said.
Laurine felt good throughout his race at districts. He struggled a little in the middle due to exhaustion, but was proud by the end of the race.

“I was pretty excited about making it to state,” Laurine said. “I feel that I could have ran better but I was running for place, not time.”

After qualifying for state Oct. 7, Laurine had five days to get prepared. At state, though, he faced difficulties with his shoes, not allowing him to perform his best.

“I feel my state performance was the worst one of the season not because of the time but because of my overall [performance],” Laurine said. “Even though I was better and faster at that time.”

Laurine ends the season with high expectations for the next.

“My goal for next year [is] sub 15:30 in the 5k,” Laurine said.