Senior Nathan Goranson qualified for the state cross country meet at districts in Independence. Goranson will compete at the state cross country meet in Fort Dodge on Nov 2.

“Before the district race, I was very nervous,” Goranson said. “I knew that all eyes were on me, and I needed to be at peak performance to qualify for the state meet.”

Goranson says that he was very focused on his position in the race, more so than his time. This made competing more mentally challenging than previous races. The top 15 runners qualify for state, and Goranson received 10th place, with a time of 17:09.

Goranson will be the first Hawk to compete at the state meet since Matt Monaghan in 2005. 

 “I’m looking forward to the environment of state and giving it my all,” Goranson said. “I feel like all the work I’ve put in after all these years has finally paid off. This will be an amazing end to my senior season.”