6.
Team: American Fork (UT)
Analysis: American Fork looks like it once again has a strong well-rounded team. Last year the team had a down year missing NXN for the first time in over eight years. This was partly due to the fact that they graduated three key seniors in the class of 2017.
This year the power-house program has reloaded. Stepping up to the plate will be a very senior-heavy group led by the captains Carson Clinger, Dalton Brems, and Luke Grundvig. All three were all-state last year and led American Fork to its Utah State XC Championship Class 6A state title.Probable Top Five:
- Carson Clinger - SR
- Kobe Serrano - SR
- Aaron Steed - SR
- Dalton Brems - SR
- Luke Grundvig - SR
American Fork (UT) High School boys coach Timo Mostert answered a few questions about his team's upcoming season. See his answers below.
How long have you been a Coach? How many of those years have been at your current school?
This is my 21st year at AF and 31st overall is this correct
What is your meet schedule this fall?
Sat Sept 1st - Utah County Invite
Sat Sept 8th - WASATCH Invite
Sat Sept 15th - BYU Invite
Fri Sept 21st - Nebo Invite
Fri Oct 5th - Region IV
Wed Oct 17th - State Championships
Sat Nov 3rd - Pre-Foot Locker Invite
Sat Nov 17th - NXN-SW Regional
Sat Dec 1st - NXN
Sat Dec 1st - Foot Locker West
How has summer training gone for your team? What do you focus on during the summer months?
Summer has been decent. We've concentrated on a big base of mileage and strength (both physical and mental), while gradually introducing our speed component.
Which athletes do you see as the probable top five this season?
Our 5 for the Grass Relays are all Seniors: Carson Clinger, Kobe Serrano, Aaron Steed, Dalton Brems, and Luke Grundvig.
Who are your team captains or leaders and what stands out about them as examples for the rest of their teammates?
Our Senior team captains are Carson Clinger, Dalton Brems, and Luke Grundvig. All three were All-State last year and lead the team in experience and knowledge.
Who are some new faces who will make an impact on your team this year (i.e. freshmen, transfers, runners who have improved a lot)?
We are so loaded with Seniors (half the team), that it remains to be seen if any newcomers will make an impact on Varsity. Some new guys that show promise are Junior Ashton Hysell, who began running this last track season and ran 4:38, and Junior Thomas Dougherty, who moved here from Nevada.
What are some staple workouts your team does during the season?
Typical with many good programs, we like long repeats at around race pace: 3X1 Mile, 4X1200, 5X1000, 6X800.
What will be the biggest reason why your team is successful this season?
A broken record: June, July, and August. it's all in the Summer preparation (we have less than 8 weeks until State).
What will be the biggest obstacle or challenge facing your team this season?
Breaking old habits of comfort zone running in practice and races.
How would you describe your team's culture?
Our motto this year is "ONE: ONE TEAM, ONE FAMILY, ONE PURPOSE."
What are your top three goals for the team this fall?
1. Help all our athletes improve towards their personal potential
2. Teach all our athletes to race, and not just run a race.
3. Be State Champions for the 9th time in the last 10 years, we'll worry about the postseason after October 17th.