Cross country is a rigorous sport that requires dedication and hard work in order to reap the rewards, and for junior Braden Lange, the reward is qualifying for the state meet.
Lange got eighth at the regional meet for Region 1 on Oct. 23 by running a 5k in 15:11. To qualify for state, individual runners must be in the top 10 in their region while the top four teams advance as well.
“[Region 1] is the toughest region in the state,” said Lange. “It was definitely tough mentally and physically.”
For the past few years, Lange hasn’t been able to advance from region, and it was not easy for him to finally break into the top 10.
“I was in like twentieth with [about] a half mile to go, and I had to make up a lot of time,” admitted Lange. “I just had to go for it, think about why I’m motivated.”
It is no small feat to keep up with the best runners in the region, and now Lange gets to compete in the state meet on Nov. 4 in Round Rock.
“The main goal all year [was] to make it to state because I missed out the last two years,” explained Lange. “It definitely means a lot [to qualify].”
At the regional meet, Timber Creek boys got eighth overall, and Timber Creek girls got fifth. Lange believes that he could not have qualified for state without the support of the other Timber Creek runners.
“[My teammates] helped me a ton; it’s just a good atmosphere to be around on this team,” Lange added. “They’re always pushing me in workouts, and they’re always supportive.”
Along with his teammates, Lange wants to push himself to compete at the highest level.
“I’m excited to run with the top group and see how long I can hold on,” said Lange.
Even though the state competition is a tough test for aspiring runners, Lange hopes to find success when he runs against the best cross country runners in Texas.
“The main goal would be to get all state,” explained Lange. “That’s my goal, top 10.”