Pow! The gun goes off.  Kadet runners Ethan Powell and Maria Mettler had one intention in mind, winning state.

Ethan Powell is a Senior runner at Air Academywho smashed the school record of a 15:15 5k with a 15:13 5k. Although this may not have seemed like a big difference, a two second difference is huge when it comes to running.

So what about state? Ethan won with a 15:55 on a hilly, slow, hot course coming in first by a tenth of a second. Ethan recollected, “Before the race I was really nervous, I saw Luc Hagen behind the fence before the start of the race. I ran over to him and almost lost it, it meant so much that he came to watch us.”

The North Penrose Stadium course was a hot and hilly run; runners were collapsing and ambulances were called. So how did Ethan manage to win in these conditions? Well for starters, his competition was tough for this race. Another runner named Ian Meek from Montrose, Colorado has been lighting meets across Colorado with record breaking times. But, as the race began and time grew on, Ethan was on Ian’s heels for nearly the entire race. We asked what Ethan thought when rounding the corner into the stadium: “At first I didn’t think I would beat him, but then I heard my little sister screaming at me to sprint, so I dug deep, pushed past the fatigue, and ran as fast as I could.”

As said earlier, it was a close race; the two runners gave it their all, and in the end had nearly a photo finish. After winning the race, we asked Ethan how he felt about winning: “I feel really tired, but it feels swell to win state.” The Air Academy boys Varsity team came in third place overall for the 4A category. It was a big victory for the boys team and especially for Ethan.

Maria Mettler was ready from the start. Her goal at the beginning of the season was to win an individual title. Maria said, “Before the race, I was nervous, but I had faith in my training, coaches, and teammates. I knew it would be a good race.” Indeed, it was a good race for Senior, Maria. She led the race from the start and gapped the second place girl nearly 20 seconds. “I felt great during the race, so I kept going strong. When I finished, I was overwhelmed with joy and exhaustion.” While she is proud of her own accomplishment, she is so grateful for her teammates. “Our team did amazing! I’m so glad I got to run with all of these talented, hard working girls! It’s been so  much fun this year!” The Air Academy girls’ team was State Runner-up, rounding off their high school  season with a solid performance.

Maria and Ethan are hoping to finish out their seasons strong  in Casa Grande, Arizona at Nike Cross Regionals in late November, along with the rest of the varsity members.

The Jetstream Journal and Air Academy is proud of our State Champions, Maria Mettler and Ethan Powell. Congratulations!