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Maplewood Sr. Allen Sparks was 2nd (16:06.12), 3rd overall, in the D3 Team Race last year at National Trails to his teammate Tristan Dahmen (15:57.53). He was part of Maplewood's Jr. 1-2 punch that took them to the D3 State Team Title.
Sparks is the #2 ranked D3 boys returner with a 15:48.70 which he ran at the Youngstown Area Surburban League Meet. He won the D3 Boys race at Tiffin last year in 15:58.01, just edging out his teammate, Tristan Dahmen. Indoors, he ran 5th in the OATCCC D2,3 State Indoor Meet 1600 with a 4:52.74. On the track outdoors, he was 3rd in the 2015 D3 OHSAA State 1600 with a 4:21.74 and 8th in the 3200 with a 9:33.57. Watch for he and Dahmen to take Maplewood to another title and to push each other to be atop the podium in November.
Best time in a 5K race and in which meet?
Best 5K-15:48 AAC Suburban League
Tell us how your summer training is going?
My summer is going well! I'm slowly building up my mileage and running 5Ks to get back in racing shape.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
My goals for this upcoming season is to go to State Championship as a team. I want to drop a lot of time on my PR as well.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started Track in 7th grade and Cross Country in 8th. So I've been running for 5 years now!
What is your favorite course to run in Ohio?
My favorite course in Ohio is the Tiffin Carnival one since it has great competition, a couple hills, and fast times!
What is the toughest course to run in Ohio?
The toughest course to run is the Boardman course that typically has our Regionals. I am not even sure why it's such a tough course for me. However every time I race there, I get a slower time!
What meet during the regular season do you put extra emphasize on to compete well at?
Other than State, haha, I would say that Tiffin Carnival is where most emphasis goes because it is an excellent way to demonstrate where we all are in the middle of the season!
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
At the Nike Regional I participated in after State, I noticed how wide and open the whole course was and how a lot of it was down hill. And the competition was incredible. It was a cold cold meet, but it was definitely my favorite!
Favorite cross country memory?
While I was at NEO cross country camp last year, one of my buddies brought a water balloon sling shot. So we filled up water balloons at our cabin and launched them seeing how far we could make them fly! Then we all had the brilliant idea of flinging them at people. It was hilarious watching them drench people as they stood out there literally waiting for us to hit them. They were just as entertained as we were it seemed hahaha!
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
I like to listen to music and read in my spare time when I'm bored, and when I'm not working.
Favorite quote?
As a Christian, one of my favorite quotes derives from Hebrews 11:1.... "For faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see". I put my faith in the Lord that He will protect me from injury while running and provides for me in helping me do my best during races. I give the glory to Him for that!
What shoes do you train in?
New Balance shoes have been my favorite choice, although I don't really mind which logo is on my shoe because they always wear off after 350 miles!
What shoes do you race in?
I ran In Brooks last year, but I'm switching to Nike Victory 2
What professional athlete would you most like to meet?
Honestly, I do not have a professional athlete I'd like to meet. Perhaps if Prefontaine were still alive, it would be an honor to shake his hand haha.
What is something that most people don't know about you?
Most people do not know that while I am a hard worker and dedicate my time to school, running and trying to prepare myself for a job on the future, I also want to have a good time while I still have it!