As part of the Hoka One One Future Stars program, MileSplit is highlighting some of the top underclassmen cross country runners throughout the country. In this athlete spotlight, we feature Lakota East (OH) freshman Dustin Horter. As a eigth grader, Horter ran a 4:11.17 1500 and 2:04.96 800. He currently has the fastest time of all freshmen in the state and is ranked 4th among all freshman and sophomores with a 15:58.00.
Interview with Lakota East (OH) freshman Dustin Horter
OhioMileSplit: Dustin, you are having a very successful freshman XC season. You are the highest ranked freshman in the state with a 15:58. One, did you run XC in Middle School? Two, how would you describe your season.
Dustin: No, I did not run Cross Country in Middle School. I actually played football, wrestled and ran track for my school. XC wasn’t in the picture in junior high, but I’m happy I moved on from football to run XC. I would describe my season so far as fun. East has a great group of guys and outstanding coaches (Coach Thomas, Coach Rice and Coach Reynolds). One thing I really enjoy is that the team is all united and are all friends. We get along great.
OhioMileSplit: What were your expectations going into this XC season?
Dustin: Honestly, I was just looking to first break 17 minutes this year. Not having run XC before, I didn’t really set extraordinary goals for myself. I didn’t know what level I would be running at or who I would be running with. I was actually a little nervous about the outcome of the season.
OhioMileSplit:How would you describe yourself as a runner?
Dustin: I would say I’m the type of runner who likes to be in front. I like to be out front and make the competition catch me. Catching up is a lot harder than maintaining a solid pace.
OhioMileSplit: Have your expectations changed from your 12th place finish in the OHSAA Early Season race to your 5th place run in the St. Xavier Invitational.
Dustin: I would say my expectations have changed dramatically since the OHSAA Early Season race. After the Early Season race and the St. X Invitational, I have more confidence in my running. X was a boost to my confidence; knowing I could stay up and place significantly at a big meet.
OhioMileSplit: At this point in your career, what are you most proud of?
Dustin: Something I’m most proud of is my ability to stay true to myself. When most people run a good race, they can become overconfident. I’d rather give the credit to the Lord for blessing me with talent, my family for their support, my coaches for setting a good plan for me, and my teammates for pushing me in the previous meet.
OhioMileSplit: Last spring you doubled at the Middle School State Meet, winning the 1600 in 4:41.30 and placing second in the 800 with a 2:07.92. You have good speed. Are you more comfortable on the track in the shorter 1,600 and 800, or in XC? Have you run a 3,200? If so what was your time?
Dustin: I enjoy track; I like running the mile and the 800, it’s just something I’m used to. I started early in the track world, but I’ve come to love cross country as well. Short 1 mile races and 3.1 mile XC races are two totally different things. I have never run a 3200 in competition yet. I don’t have an exact favorite between track and XC, I just love running in general!
OhioMileSplit: What are your immediate goals and what are your long time goals?
Dustin: My immediate goal is to break 16 minutes again this season. I ran a 16:03 at St. X after running a 15:58 at Alliance. If I could get under 16 again, I could help my team more and contribute to some big wins. A long term goal I have is to make it to State. I really want to make it, and so does my team. We are all hungry to make it. I just want to contribute and help make something like that possible for all the Seniors that have wanted this for four years. Making it to State is definitely something everyone on this Varsity team strives for. We all work very hard and we take things week by week, but State is constantly in the back of our minds.
OhioMileSplit: Thank's Dustin. I'm sure that we will see you at State, hopefully with your team, and we are glad that you decided to run XC
