Sprinter Noah Ross of the Ankeny Centennial boys’ track team is one of several returning state qualifiers from a squad that placed fourth in last year’s Class 4A state meet with 61 points.
Ross is the lone returnee from the Jaguars’ state champion 4×100 and 4×200 relays. He also ran on the third-place sprint medley relay.
Here is some inside info on Ross:
I know you have already had three meets this spring, including an early outdoor meet at Southeast Polk. How is the season going thus far?
It has been going really well so far. I did not compete in the early outdoor meet, but my indoor season has been very successful. One of our team’s goals is to keep our athletes healthy for the championship season, and everything we’ve done so far has been promising.
You’ve had a couple of top-three finishes in the 60 at the two indoor meets that you’ve had, posting times of 6.84 and 6.90 seconds. Were you happy with those times?
I was extremely happy with those times. Coming into the season, one of my goals was to run a 60m dash under 7.00 seconds after running 7.11 last year, so running significantly faster consistently is more than I could ask for. I did not qualify for an individual race last year at state, and now I’m competing and even beating former state podium finishers and champions. It’s a huge confidence booster.
The 60 is obviously such a short race. Is it all about getting off to a great start out of the blocks?
Absolutely. If you’re not one of the first (runners) out of the blocks, you can kiss a top-three finish goodbye. At the same time, it’s important not to rush your acceleration or lean toward the finish line, which is something I’m working on. I’ve worked on building confidence and a better mindset this year, and I’m trusting my ability to run smoothly to help eliminate my issue with leaning too far forward toward the finish line.
Your team suffered some heavy losses to graduation last spring. Do you think this team can still contend for a top-10 finish at state?
Losing those athletes definitely had an impact on our team. Last year, we had a very experienced group, and we pretty much knew what our relays were going to look like before the season even started. This year, we’ll need to experiment more and figure out the best combinations. At the same time, we have a lot of younger talent. Our distance group should be very strong, and I truly believe that if we continue improving little by little, both individually and in our relays, we can put together some really strong and versatile sprint relays and compete at a high level.
What are your individual goals?
I wanted to break 7.00 in the 60m, and not only did I do that, but I also broke the school record, which was more than I expected. My main goal has always been the 100m school record and possibly the 200m school record. I believe I have a shot at the 100m school record in the first couple of meets I get to run the 100m with the right conditions. The 200m is going to take some more training. I’d say I have a shot at that record once I’m in better shape in May.
As the only returnee from the state champion 4×100 and 4×200 relays, are you trying to become a leader for the sprint crew this season? And did you learn a lot from running last year with guys like Braeden Jackson, Caleb Reed and Robert McGhee, who were your teammates on those relays?
I definitely want to be a leader for the sprint group this year. In relays, everyone has a role, so I do not want to be someone who micromanages people or puts extra pressure on them. Instead, I want to help build confidence and let my teammates know I trust them. Last year, one of the biggest strengths of our relay group was the confidence we had in each other, and that helped us consistently get the baton around and perform at a high level. If this year’s group can build that same trust and continue putting in the work at practice, I think we can be very successful.
Do you think this team has some other sprinters who can step up to fill the void, allowing you guys to compete for medals in the sprint relays at state once again?
Yes, we have some young talent. Our main goal is just to stay healthy and improve consistently to be at our best in May. If we can do that, I’d argue we have a shot at a medal in just about every relay race out there.
The temperature was close to 90 degrees on Saturday, and it’s supposed to be in the mid-70s on Thursday for the Early Bird Relays at Waukee Northwest. Are you surprised to have such warm weather this early in the season, and do you like running in those conditions?
I’m definitely a little surprised to have weather this warm this early in the season, but I’m not complaining. For me, 70 to 80 degrees is just about perfect. I was a little concerned that if it were only 50 or 60 degrees, we’d get pretty cold once the sun went down. I enjoy running outdoors in those conditions much more than indoors. The fresh air is nice, and overall, my body just feels better outside. The biggest factor is really the wind. If it is strong and in your face, it can make things tough, but if you get a little wind at your back, it can definitely help your time.
Would you like to run in college, and if so, have you looked at any schools?
I wasn’t completely sure about running in college until this year. Last season, I felt like I was in a bit of a gray area. I knew I was a strong sprinter, but I had not put up the kind of times that would generate much interest from schools I was really interested in. I told myself I would only run in college if it was at a school I would genuinely want to attend, even without track. Recently, I’ve been fortunate enough to get some interest from some really great programs. Right now, I’m mainly looking at schools in Iowa or nearby states, because I’d prefer to stay within about five or six hours of home.
What are you planning to study?
I’m planning to study something in the business field. Right now, I’m leaning toward finance, marketing or accounting.