Ankeny senior Jack Belding is one of the state’s top sprinters. He led the Hawks to a runner-up finish in the boys’ Class 4A state track meet last season.
Belding won a state title in the 400 in 47.94 seconds, equaling the 17th-fastest time in state history. He also placed third in the 200.
Belding anchored Ankeny to a second-place finish in the sprint medley relay, where the Hawks set a school record and posted the second-fastest time in state history (1:30.78). He also ran a split of 47.53 on the third leg of the 4×400 relay, lifting his team from seventh place into first en route to a second-place finish and another school record.
On Saturday, Belding helped Ankeny to a second-place finish in the Ruth Marske Indoor Invitational at Brookings, S.D. He won the 200 in 21.72 seconds, setting a meet record, and also placed third in the 100.
Here is some inside info on Belding:
How is the season going thus far?
The season has been going great. I’m ahead of where I was at last year at this time by a lot, and I have already hit some (personal records) in the 200. The rest of the team has been doing awesome as well. Many of my teammates have hit insane times and are the state leaders in their events. I’m very excited to see what’s to come from all of us.
Were you happy with your performances at the Marske Invitational on Saturday in South Dakota?
I was kind of disappointed in my 100, but I’m not letting that get to me. I bounced back and hit a good time in the 200, which I’m very happy with. It’s still early, and I have plenty of room to improve.
Your team entered the season with some high expectations after placing second in Class 4A a year ago. Have you been pleased with what you’ve seen from the team thus far?
Like I said before, many of my teammates have had great success individually, and as a team as well. From the distance runners like Ethan (Zuber) and Ike (Smith) to sprinters like Tyler (Sickerson) and Logan (Fairchild), we’ve seen exciting numbers across the board. Teammates from every event group are eager and excited to get some points for us at state, and I’m extremely thankful for that.
Your squad has been strengthened by the addition of Fairchild, who placed in multiple events in Class 3A last season while competing for Winterset. What has he brought to the team?
He’s proven himself to be a critical member of our team battling for a No. 1 spot in all of his events. Not only is he a talented sprinter, but he is a great kid who’s really just fun to have on the team.
As the defending Class 4A champion in the 400, do you think you’ll have a target on your back this season?
I definitely believe that I’m going to be the guy people want to beat this year in the 400, but regardless I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing and not worry about others.
The 400 and 200 are obviously your primary events, along with the various sprint relays. Is there any other event you’d like to try this season, or do you think you’ll stick with what you do best?
I’m planning on sticking to just the 400 and 200. I ran a 100 this past weekend, but I probably won’t be running one again the rest of the season.
Goals for the season?
I’m hoping to see a lot of state titles and records this year in not only my individual events but in relays as well. In addition to that, I’m hoping to win the state meet as a team.
Do you think Johnston will be the team to beat in Class 4A, since the Dragons are the defending champs?
This year I think Ankeny has a pretty good shot. I really believe the only people standing in our way is ourselves. So long as we stay healthy and hungry to win, I like our odds.
Are there any other teams other than your own that you think could contend for the title?
You never know what’s going to happen or how the rest of the season is going to go–it’s still very early. I know a lot of teams have returning talent. All I can say for sure is there’s going to be a lot of competition in every event. One team that comes to mind is Iowa City West as they have a really solid team as a whole.
You’ve signed a letter of intent to compete at Kansas next year. Did you enjoy the recruiting process, or was it kind of a relief to get it over with?
It was definitely stressful and by far not an easy decision, but I did enjoy a lot of the connections I made and experiences that came from it. I’m very thankful for the opportunities those teams have given me, and I’m looking forward to continue running at Kansas.
Kansas is probably known by most people as a basketball school. Did you watch either of the Jayhawks’ first two games in the NCAA Tournament?
Even though I’m going to be a Jayhawk, I’m still an Iowa State basketball fan as of now. I’m sure that will change in the next few years, but as of now, roll Clones!
