East Ridge speedster powers up

East Ridge junior Nate Roese, an all-state selection in track, finished second at state (Class 2A) last year in his main event, the 400-meter dash. He is a two-time state qualifier in cross-country and plays for the Raptors basketball team.

What is your style of running?

I'm the kind of guy who just stays in the middle of the pack and then comes out fast at the very end. When it comes to the last hundred meters, I just go all out.

Offseason preparation?

My freshman year, I was 13th in the conference, and I wanted to do better. I just did little things, maybe push-ups to get my upper body ready. That really helped in my sophomore year going from 13th in conference to second in state. I did 10 pushups [a day] last year to get ready. This year I've been doing 15 a day. I also lift weights twice a week.

If you could choose to be in any profession, what would be?

A footwear designer for basketball. I just really like drawing shoes for basketball.

Not to get injured. I got injured with my hip flexor and I was out for a week [last year]. I'd really like to run under 48 seconds [for the 400-meter]. But I guess the biggest goal is to win state in 400. I know Austin Salargo [Hopkins senior and last year's winner] is coming back, too. We're going to have a good little race.

The biggest challenge in track?

Probably practice because coach gives us specific workouts, and he times us in everything. For me, I want to get better, so I need to know every single day I can push myself harder and harder.

Who is your favorite music artist?

Some of my top-five would be Drake, Kid Cudi.

I play drums. I'm not in band or anything, but I have a drum set at my house.