Photos: Courtesy of Milesplit.US photags
Eastern Alamance's Jake Hurysz has had a storied season. From a 15:57 at last year's Foot Locker South meet to a 14:46 at this years, a 3A NCHSAA State Title, and now capped off with a 6th place finish at Nationals. Jake has gone from "just another runner" in NC during the 2008 season to one of the finest athletes in the US during 2009.
From talking to Jake numerous times this season, I can tell this young runner is a hard working guy. Jake wants to run fast and obviously has been doing the necessary training to get there. He is an extreme competitor and also smart about racing at the same time. At the Foot Locker South meet I honestly thought he was hurting at 2 miles as he was beginning to fade a bit, however, he was just cruising and saving a little energy.
Jake placed 6th overall in San Diego while running the historic Balboa Park course. The race was extremely nasty as southern California had been hit by a rare thunderstorm (and was being hit during the race).
What an outstanding race. You told me you wanted to finish in the top 15 . . . did your 6th place surpass your expectations?
Thanks a lot Coach Hovis! But it certainly did. I honestly wasn't expecting 6th place. I even thought top 10 was a stretch. I just went out there and ran my race, and the the rest took care of itself.
The race went out pretty conservatively. I started out in like 20th place. I stayed there until like a mile and a half into the race. That hill made a lot of people drop for sure. I started making my move with about 2 to go. I went from around 17th to 14th. After the uphill, I put myself in about 11th, and just scorched on that downhill. With 150 to go, I kicked extremely hard and made up 5 places.
I can't remember Balboa looking so nasty. Did that play into your favor? What did you think of the Balboa course?
Balboa was so fun! By far the nicest, and most fun course I have ever run. The rain actually helped me I think. I thought it was more fun in the rain. It honestly helped relax the mood of the race. We kinda had fun with it.
You've had a ridiculous season and have made unbelievable improvements. Last year at this time, were you honestly thinking this was possible? Did you watch the Foot Locker Champs online last year?
Haha. :ast year I was only dreaming to make it out here. I just worked so hard to get there. All you guys out there, learn from my experience. Just work hard over the summer, and you will make a huge jump! But I didn't watch the race last year. Just looked at every possible photo album and was in awe of how awesome the trip looked. By far the most fun I have ever had.
Who did you room with in San Diego?
I roomed with Steve Magnuson AKA Mag. He'll be my teammate next year at UNC. That kid owns!
How was that football game? What was the best part of the experience besides the race itself?
That football game was so fun! It was pretty intense. Our squad made a huge comeback and won! It was great. The best part of the experience was just hanging out and meeting all of the kids. I met alot of cool people. Also, repping the DURTY SOUTH!!! We actually should've won if we scored it as a traditional 7 score meet.
NC is very proud of you and what you've been able to accomplish this season. You've put your name on the map as one of the all-time greatest HS runners in NC history. How does that make you feel? What does track have in store? Sub-9:00?
Thanks a lot Coach! The whole state of NC has been behind us three (Blake Williams, Jake Hurysz, and Wesley Frazier) and I would like to thank all of you guys! It feels really good. To know that i'm up there with Ryan Hill, Jack Bolas, Sandy Roberts, and Matt Deboule is amazing! But as far as track goes, sub 9:00 for sure. I plan on going out to Arcadia in April and throwing down. I'm thinking sub 8:50.
