New Prague distance runner Josh Dvorak has been running competitively since the sixth grade, when the sport began to grow on him in the absence of a school soccer team. Now a senior, he has his sights set on two big goals before he runs his last race.

“I want to qualify for state in cross-country and track,” said Dvorak, a captain for the cross-country team.

Trojans cross-country and track coach Nick Meyer believes his top runner is headed in the right direction.

“He has continued to improve steadily since first cracking the varsity team as a ninth-grader,” Meyer said. “He is now the most experienced varsity athlete on the team, and among the best runners in school history.”

Here is a closer look at Dvorak:

 

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

A: “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.”

 

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

A: Driven, chill and committed.

 

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

A: ...“Wild Ones” by Flo Rida; “Club Can’t Handle Me” by Flo Rida; and “I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas.

 

Q: What are your three favorite apps?

A: Alarm Clock, Email, and YouTube.

 

Q: When did you get started in distance running?

A: There was no sixth-grade soccer team, so I went out for cross-country. It kind of rubbed off on me.

 

Q: What did you think of your first varsity practice?

A: I used to think 7 miles was insane. Now, it’s an easy run.

 

Q: What did you work on most in the offseason?

A: Building up strength and speed through hundreds of miles.

 

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

A: I always have to eat spaghetti with tomato sauce.

 

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

A: Finishing third in the 1,600-meter run in the Class 2A, Section 2 track meet last spring. I could nearly taste the state meet.

 

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

A: I get home from practice at 5 p.m., shower, eat, do homework and go to bed. Repeat.

 

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

A: Introduce indoor track as a high school sport here. I know other states have such programs.

 

Q: Name one sport that you wish you could play, and why?

A: Nordic skiing because it looks fun and they have sweet uniforms.

 

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

A: Brigham Young University. All of its sports teams are phenomenal.

 

Q: Do you have a secret talent — and if so, what is it?

A: I like to make different types of bread.

 

Q: In 10 years, I hope I’m …

A: … starting a career in business finance or marketing.

 

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

A: “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”— Steve Prefontaine

 

RON HAGGSTROM