Shakopee freshman doesn't run like one

Shakopee freshman Maria Hauger has raced to the top of the pack -- literally. After finishing fifth at last year's Class 2A girls' state cross-country meet, Hauger has come back strong. The state's No. 1 ranked runner has yet to lose a race, including victories in the Hutchinson and Apple Valley Invitationals. The next big race is the Section 2 meet a week from Thursday in Willmar. The Star Tribune's Brian Stensaas recently spoke with Hauger about her season.

Q Had you run much prior to joining the cross country team last season?

A As a seventh-grader I did really well in track, running the 800, 1,600 and 3,200-meter races. So I kind of wanted to keep running after that.

Q Other than track races being flat, what's the difference between running distance in track and cross country?

A Well, that's the main one, I guess. I actually think running cross country is easier than running on a track. In track, you have to go a lot faster.

Q How do you overcome the changes in elevation on a cross country course?

A You know when you go up a hill, you are going to come back down. So it's kind of like faster for you, because the downhill gives you a chance to recover.

Q Why stick with cross country?

A I did really well in it, and my team is just awesome. It's so much fun. We do fun things as a team, and the coaches are really great with workouts. They really teach us the right way to train.

Q A lot of talk about the weather around here lately. How has it been for running this fall?

A Probably the worst was when weather canceled one of our meets. I didn't like that at all. It's been colder, but that hasn't bothered me too much. We haven't had to run in the snow yet, so that's good.

Q You're watching TV for the perfect weather forecast for running, what do you want to see?

A I would say totally calm and 60 degrees. And a little overcast.

Q How would you assess your season?

A Really good. I'm ranked No. 1, and that's really cool. I haven't been beaten yet, so this is about as good as I can think of.

Q Do those things -- ranked No. 1, never lost -- enter your mind on race day?

A Yeah. It means a lot to me, but I don't feel pressured or anything. I just feel like I'm going out there to run and win.

Q I see a lot of freshmen, sophomores and juniors in the final results of your team's races this year. A sign of continued success for years to come at Shakopee?

A That's really cool. We're all right around the same age so it's good for the team and for us, because we're all really good friends who have a lot for the future.

Q What do you know about the upcoming section race at Willmar?

A This is the first time it's there. We don't know anything about the course. I hear it might be hard. We were in Chaska last year.

Q Is that intimidating or do you see it as a fun challenge?

A I think it's just the same. It's still two and a half miles, it doesn't matter. I don't think it will be too tough of a challenge or anything.