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Lakota East Jr. Dustin Horter is the leading returner from last years D1 State race. He was 3rd in 15:14.40. He was 14th in his Fr. season with a 15:52.41. He followed up his Cross season with a 3rd in the OATCCC State Indoor Championships in the 1,600 with a 4:16.88 and outdoors he was 3rd in the OHSAA D1 3,200 with a 9:02.79. He has gained experience in his first two seasons, showing both strength and speed. He's only going to get better. Expect this to be his breakout year. Shown above leading through the mile. (photo Christian Lisle)
Best time in a 5K race and in which meet?
My best 5k time came at my conference meet (GMC) at Voice of America Park in 15:11.
Tell us how your summer training is going?
My summer training is going well. I've been putting in long runs of about 10-11 miles and running 5 or more miles a day at about 6:15 or under pace. The team is just now starting to do intervals and hard easy runs again.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
My goals this upcoming season are to go at least sub 15 in the 5k for starts, and shoot for a state title.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I've been running since the 4th grade in competitive track, about 7 years or so. What got me started was the mile run in gym class when in the third grade. I ran a 6:05 mile with my friend. Next, I went to field day and my love for running grew. I was invited to run for a local AAU team and I thought it would be fun.
Will you be competing anywhere out of state this season?
I plan to run in the Nike Midwest Regional meet in Terre Haute, Indiana. I've run in this race before and hope to qualify to Nike Nationals.
What is your favorite course to run in Ohio?
My favorite course in Ohio would have to be Voice of America because it is my home meet and it also is the place I ran my fastest time.
What meet during the regular season do you put extra emphasize on to compete well at?
One meet I put emphasis on during the regular season is my conference meet or GMC meet because this is usually where I run my fastest time. VOA's course is a course I feel like I could PR on every time with the right conditions, so I always try to prepare for GMC.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
My favorite race in my career was last year's State meet because although I came in 3rd, it was a great race for me, and it was my highest place on the State podium so far. I also felt like it really put me on the board and gave me confidence that I can certainly be up with the front runners.
Favorite cross country memory?
My favorite cross country memories come from Friday night team spaghetti dinners before races because it gives our team time to socialize and I always have fun at them.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
When I'm not running, I'm playing a different sport or watching sports. I love to represent my school in the student section of games or cheering on my team otherwise. I just love all sports.
My favorite quote is "Every champion was once a contender that refused to give up." -Rocky Balboa because I feel like that the position I have been in over the past few years and I feel very motivated this season to improve my times and chase my goals.
What shoes do you train in?
I run in Saucony Kinvara 7's, these shoes are light but also provide great support for my feet.
What shoes do you race in?
I race in Saucony Kilkenny XC5's, these spikes are light, fit to my foot, and slim while also providing support.
What professional athlete would you most like to meet?
The professional athlete I would most like to meet is probably Andrew Luck because he plays for my favorite NFL team, the Indianapolis Colts.
What is something that most people don't know about you?
Something most people don't know about me is that I'd like to compete in the Olympic trials and afterwards become an Athletic Director.
