As a freshman this season, Knoxville Runner Isaac Rankin has been able to weather most challenges. He has a South Central Conference title and will run in the boys class 3A race at Fort Dodge this Saturday morning. The physical aspect of the week leading up to state is important, and the mental side of the preparation will also come into play. Coach Michael Splavec tells KNIA/KRLS Sports with the normal tapering, he adds Rankin will also need to get his mind right and be ready to race.

Splavec: “Doing some of the same kind of things with just less reps. The big thing is that mentality and getting him focused on the race and seeing what he can do from there.”

Rankin has met nearly all of the challenges this season and hopes to finish somewhere in the top 25. The class 3A boys race will get underway at 11:15.