FITTING FINALE
Hansen concludes career in style
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Cael Hansen did it again.
The Fort Dodge senior has run faster in nearly every the last four times of his career.
Hansen finished his remarkable senior campaign, going 10 seconds faster than he ever has to place 36th at the Class 4A state cross country meet on Saturday.
"It was a great way to finish (my high school career)," Hansen said. "I was a little disappointed to not go sub-16."
Hansen had a strong first mile, going 5:01.9 and was at 10:21.4 after two miles. He passed 19 people to get to 16:18 after the 5K.
"It's a great feeling going into the track season," Hansen said. "I feel like I have some PRs coming my way."
Hansen, who was a state track qualifier in a relay, was running at Lakeside in the state event for the first time.
"The best way to describe that race -- overwhelming," Hansen said. "I watched the races before, and I was running back and forth. It was amazing seeing how many people were there and they were so loud.
"My ears were ringing.”
At Fort Dodge he went 16:31, then he had a 16:35 at the Iowa Alliance Conference Meet. In the state qualifying meet it was 16:28 and then the 16:18 at state.
"Everything went according to plan," Read said. "We built up his fitness and tapered down the last four weeks of the season.
"It worked out really well. He was very diligent in his training and had the best race of his life. He was really committed."
Hansen's 16:18.2 was the eighth best all-time 5K at Fort Dodge. It was also the 11th best state performance for a Dodger.
"He worked for every bit of it and earned it coming off of his injury," Read said. "He was totally committed in every aspect and recovered well.
"He was dedicated to his strength training and everything. I'm happy for him and he has a bright future ahead of him."
In his first season as head coach Read was pleased to see Hansen finish the way he did.
"Having kids like him makes you feel validated as a coach," Read said. "He was so dedicated -- there are not many like him."
Hansen echoed the sentiments of Read.
"I'm very glad to have (Coach) Read by my side," Hansen said. "I wouldn't have made as much progress as I did without him."
Hansen wasn't alone in his trip to Lakeside, as family and friends as well as teammates helped cheer him on.
"Having my teammates there was awesome," Hansen said. "I'm happy that they stayed around after the season was over.
"My mom was at every single meet. There were about 20 to 30 people there to just watch me. That is a great feeling."