Eagan senior Bailey LaChance finished last season on a strong note, posting a career-best 5-kilometer time of 17 minutes, 40.2 seconds in the Class 2A, Section 3 boys’ cross-country meet at Valleywood Golf Course in Apple Valley.

The Wildcats senior hopes to carry over that late season success heading into the 2014 season.

Here is a closer look at LaChance, who also runs track and plays basketball for the Wildcats:

Q: The best movie I’ve seen in the past year?

A: “Lone Survivor.”

Q: Three words my friends or teammates might use to describe me?

A: Leader, determined and focused.

Q: Three songs I never skip on my iPod are …

A: ...“Backseat Freestyle” by Kendrick Lamar; “Assets” by Yellow Claw; and “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor.

Q: What are your three favorite apps?

A: Twitter, Snapchat and Hungry Shark.

Q: Who do you like to follow the most on Twitter, and why?

A: My friend Tyler Buresh because I find his tweets funny.

Q: How did you get started playing the sports you now participate in at the high school level?

A: I’ve played basketball since I was 4, and I joined the cross-country/track teams to train for basketball in the offseason.

Q: At my first varsity practice, I felt …

A: … excited and nervous.

Q: What did you focus on over the summer?

A: I ran with the cross-country team each morning and worked out with a personal trainer.

Q: To get focused for a meet, I …

A: …listen to music and mentally prepare by visualizing my goals.

Q: What is your favorite meal prior to a meet or game?

A: Waffles with honey, a banana and a lot of water.

Q: What are your goals for the 2014-2015 school year as an athlete?

A: To improve my personal-best times in both cross-country and track as well make each of my teams better with my contribution.

Q: What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete?

A: I ran a personal-best time in the Class 2A, Section 3 cross-country meet in the fall of 2013.

Q: How do you balance school and sports during the year?

A: Very carefully, mostly using prioritization.

Q: If you could change one thing about high school sports, what would it be?

A: Adding a shot clock in basketball.

Q: In 10 years, I hope I’m …

A: … in this same shape.

Q: Who is your favorite college or pro sports team, and why?

A: The University of Minnesota Gophers men’s basketball team. I like to support my home team.

Q: What is the best sports advice you ever received?

A: Pain is temporary, pride is forever.

RON HAGGSTROM