Ben Stites
School: SR Wyoming
Graduation: 2016
2013 OHSAA State Cross Country Championships: D2 6th Place (16:22.21)
Wyoming Senior Ben Stites ran well as a Junior placing 6th (16:22.21) in the D2 OHSAA Cross Country Championships. In
2012 he was 38th(16:34.10). He followed up his 6th place XC run with a 7th place finish in the D2 1600, running 4:22.58.
Best time in a 5K race and in which meet?
6:18 Eaton invitational
Tell us how your summer training is going?
Pretty well. I am just recently getting back from my break after the track season so my miles are not high, but my legs feel good so far.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
Break the school record (16:15), break into the 15s, do as well as I can at the state meet (I don't have a specific number but better than last season and potentially even state champ, but I recognize all of the top returning runners are going for that and it will be difficult), to simply enjoy my senior year. It is the last chance I have and I want to make it memorable
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
Since 7th grade cross country, but I didn't do track in junior high because I played tennis. My sister was a runner and was successful, which motivated me to try it. Also, funny enough, my soccer coach suggested it because I could run more than my teammates.
Will you be competing anywhere out of state this season?
I don't believe so, but the team is going to a meet in Northern Ohio to race the competition up there.
What is your favorite course to run in Ohio?
State. No question
What is the toughest course to run in Ohio?
he Mason Invitational. We haven't run there since my sophomore year, but it is a true cross country course.
What meet during the regular season do you put extra emphasize on to compete well at?
Saturday Night Lights at Centerville. It is nice to start the season with a fast time and it is exciting to get back on the course after the summer. Also, I will be focusing on the northern meet that we will go to. I'm not certain of what it is called but it is in Cuyahoga I believe.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
Last year's state meet. I knew I could do well and run in the top 10, but it was incredibly exciting when I found out that I got 6th and that the team got 4th.
Favorite cross country memory?
State experience last year. I can't really pinpoint the exact time but the whole weekend was fun. Time with the team before and after, the race, and being on the podium.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
I really enjoy fishing, fly fishing especially. Unfortunately, there is not very good fishing where I live, but I like to fish whenever I can and where there is good water to fish in.
Favorite quote?
I don't really have one
What shoes do you train in?
Saucony Mirage 4
What shoes do you race in?
New Balance XC900
What's on your Ipod when you go out for runs?
Pretty much everything. When I want to be calm and just sort of cruise, I listen to the Avett Brothers, the National, or Mumford and Sons. When I want or need to be more energized, I listen to more hip hop like Kendrick Lamar or Kanye West and also throw some electronic stuff in there.
What professional athlete would you most like to meet?
LeBron James. He's an incredible athlete, even though he left Ohio (but he may come back now that he's a free agent, ya never know)