With the cross country season coming to a close, state is up next. But to qualify for state in PIL, a runner would need to place in the top 14 in the PIL district race.
Junior Joshua Hepner did just that, placing tenth overall with a 5k time of 15:46.
His time was also a new personal record. He focused on a couple of things to qualify for state.
“I wanted to stay conserved and not burn myself out at the start like I did last year,” Hepner said.
He also improved on his rank in districts compared to last year.
“I was in the top 20 last year, and I had plenty more in the tank,” Hepner said.
Hepner also has some things he wants to really focus on during his state race.
“Focus on breathing and focusing on my form and try to stay warm because it’s gonna be cold,” Hepner said.
His overall goal for state is getting top 10 and maybe even getting top five if he PRs.
“It’s a hilly course, too, so if I can tackle the hills properly then I can get through it,” he said.
Come support Hepner at Lane Community College in Eugene on Nov. 4, as he takes on competitors at the state meet.
