Brian Shrader
Jr., Sinagua H.S.
Flagstaff, AZ
Highlights: After playing football as a freshman, Shrader (Photo by Margot Kelly) turned to running … Won his second straight Arizona 4A II XC title with a personal best 15:15, five seconds better than rival Tim Freriks … Recorded victories at Grand Canyon Region Championship (16:04), Jack Boehle Memorial Invitational (16:38), Mingus Invitational (16:35) and the Four Corners Invitational (15:56) ... Also a two-time state track champion, winning the 1600 and 3200 as a sophomore ... Placed 30th at Foot Locker West Regional in 2007
Coach (Bo Reed) says: “In every single meet, except for Ray Wherley where he ended up in an ambulance, but in every other meet, he came out of that chute and ran back to the course to bring his team home. The team means a great deal to Brian
and that doesn't always reflect in team performances. If they understood exactly what he does for the team, instead of look up to him they would strive to be successful with him. Brian did not have a celebration after the region meet - he was actually disappointed because his team wasn't going to state.”
Shrader says: “Last year I won [the state cross country title], but I was an underdog and nobody was really looking for me. When you are an underdog it’s a lot easier to win any race, really, than when you are the favorite. This year, everyone I knew was gunning for me. This one definitely feels like I earned it a lot more than last year. I really love running. There is nothing more that I like doing.”
Summer mileage (max): Shrader did not train during the summer due to mononucleosis
Weekly mileage: N/A
Training shoes: Asics Gel Nimbus
Superstitions: Shrader follows the same routine before every race
Hobbies: Frisbee, anything outdoors
Favorite school subject: Physics