Nick Durham (12) has been making a name for himself in the Oakville Cross Country Program. Hard work and motivation have made him this year’s captain for the team.

Starting his running career in fifth grade, racing against other elementary schools to achieving 10th place out of 317 boys, Durham has made many improvements. Head coach Kevin Niedringhaus says that he was not surprised when Durham finished 10th on his first meet of the season on Sept. 1 (Lutheran South meet at Jefferson Barracks) and believes that he will win many more medals this year.

“All throughout middle school I didn’t take it seriously, but once high school hit I realized I had a lot of potential so I decided to take it more seriously.” He was inspired to start running because when he liked watching the sonic cartoons on tv and wanted to be as fast as him.

Durham has earned 27 medals and has high hopes for the rest of his races. He runs marathons and works hard a practice to become a better runner. “He always is working hard at practice and is almost always doing something extra,” said Niedringhaus.

His hardest obstacle is staying motivated. Durham says mental strength is a major component of cross country. Matt Pinner (11), a training partner, believes that Durham is a good motivator and leader. Pinner says that Durham sends the runners motivational videos to watch before the games and gives the guys pep talk to motivate them before their races. Pinner likes having Durham as a partner because it makes him a better runner as well.

Durham has about five more meets; his next race is on Sept. 24 in the Hancock Invitational at Jefferson Barracks. He plans on receiving medal in every event that he has left. “Nick is highly motivated and very competitive and enjoys running,”said Coach Niedringhaus.